Qatar-UAE Super Cup returns bigger and bolder for 2025

The Qatar-UAE Super Cup is back for its second staging, and this year’s edition promises to be bigger, bolder, than ever before.

In a change from the inaugural edition, which featured four clubs, this week’s showdown will include eight teams from Qatar and UAE aiming for Gulf glory across four different competitions: the Challenge Shield, Super Cup, Super Shield and Challenge Cup.

The action kicks off on Thursday, January 16, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, where UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli, the ADNOC Professional League runners-up, face Qatar’s Al Rayyan, runners-up in the Ooredoo Stars League, for the Challenge Shield at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

For Al Rayyan, this marks their debut in the competition, while Shabab Al Ahli bring valuable experience, having staged a comeback to win last season’s Super Shield.

This highly anticipated clash will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams, with both sides entering the contest on the back of consecutive victories in their respective leagues.

“This is a big match that will be decided on small details,” said Shabab Al Ahli’s coach Paulo Sousa.

“Finals demand the highest level of focus, and we’re ready to give our best to win.”

Al Rayyan coach, Artur Jorge, emphasized the importance of seizing this title opportunity. “It’s a strong challenge, but our team’s mentality is to achieve victory,” said Jorge.

“Winning this match will be a great motivation for us.”

UAE President’s Cup runners-up Al Nasr go head-to-head with Qatar SC, runners-up in the 2023-24 Amir Cup, for the Qatar-UAE Super Cup on Friday, January 17 at Al Maktoum Stadium.

Qatar SC are regrouping after a 1-4 loss to Al Duhail in the Ooredoo Stars League, while Al Nasr come into the match full of confidence after dispatching of Ittihad Kalba last time out in the league.

“The Super Cup at home offers us a chance to win a trophy for our club,” said Al Nasr star Adel Taarabt.

“Our fans make the difference the difference for us. We are waiting for you, and hopefully on the 17th we can all celebrate together. We count on them to come and support us like they always do.

“We will give everything to bring this trophy to our club.”

Al Sadd and Al Wasl face off in the Qatar-UAE Super Shield at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Saturday, January 18.

Al Sadd qualified as winners of the 2023-24 Qatar Stars League, recently defeating Shamal 1-0 in Week 12 of the Ooredoo Stars League. The hosts boast a star-studded lineup, including AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif, Hassan Al Haydos, Boualem Khoukhi and Brazilian duo Giovani Henrique and Guilherme Torres.

Al Wasl, champions of the UAE ADNOC Professional League, arrive after a goalless draw with Bani Yas. Coached by Milos Milojevic, their key players include Fabio de Lima, Adama Diallo, Sofiane Bouftini, and goalkeeper Ibrahim Issa.

The teams recently drew 1-1 in the AFC Champions League, setting the stage for an exciting rematch.

The tournament concludes on Sunday, January 19, at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where Qatar Cup champions Al Wakrah face Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup winners Al Wahda in the Challenge Cup decider.

Al Wakrah, winners of the 2024 Qatar Cup, aim to claim their first title in the competition but face a tough test against Al Wahda, who share similar aspirations. Poya Asbaghi, newly appointed as Al Wakrah’s head coach, will look to secure silverware just a week into his tenure. The Blue Wave will rely on their attacking trio of Jacinto Dala, Ricardo Gomes and Ayoub Assal to bounce back from a recent 3-6 league loss to Al Ahli.

Al Wahda, now led by Slovenian coach Darko Milanic, have regrouped after a managerial change. Key players, including Syrian star Omar Khribin and goalkeeper Rashid Ali, will aim to deliver a strong performance on home soil.