Scoring goals has been a concern for Sailiya, who are 12th in the standings

Round five of the Qatar Stars League season kicks off with two games today evening at Al Ahli stadium, involving sides who are looking to build on their impressive showing in round four.
First up, Al Sailiya take on Al Shahania at 5:20pm. Sailiya are currently 12th in the QSL standings and will be targeting their first win of the season.
Sami Trabelsi’s side made a tough start to the season with three straight defeats, but has stabilized in recent weeks picking up two draws in the league. Goals have been a concern for Sailiya lately, and Trabelsi will be hoping that summer signing Paul Efoulou can find the back of the net soon.
Trabelsi believes his team is in better shape than last season. “This season we have started better than last season. Shahania is a very good side they are giving strong performances as a team. If we look at their previous performances they have some great matches. They don’t have big names and we don’t have big names so it will be an interesting match,” he said.
Speaking about his side’s lack of goals Trabelsi added: “We were having a problem with defence last season and we fixed this problem but at the same time we now have a problem in attack. We are finding it difficult to find the net as we need good finishing.”
“In football stats is about numbers and numbers are about winning. Although we are improving in performance but to be realistic we need better results,” added the Tunisian tactician at the press conference yesterday.
As for Al Shahania, they have been the surprise package in the QSL this season and have registered five points from their opening four games. Last time out, they needed a last minute penalty to get a share of the points with Al Gharafa.
Head coach Jose Fernando has stepped up from his assistant manager role perfectly, and has the Oryxes well drilled. Spanish defender Álvaro Mejía will have to be at his uncompromising best in the center of defence if Shahania are to continue their fine form in the QSL.
Fernando wants his players to be confident going into games. “The result last week got us a point and that gives us confidence. Each game we are attacking more and there is a good atmosphere in the club and I want to keep this atmosphere. The next game against Sailiya is very tough but we will try our best,” he said.
“I feel there is quality in the team and right now I want get everything from the players and I am very satisfied with their performance. I tell them that if we train the right way you can get results. I know players in the top four sides have good players but I personally feel players in Shahania have the quality as well,” added the Portuguese.
Fernando is also happy with his player’s reaction to conceding goals, “I am very satisfied with their reaction after conceding the goal. We conceded in the last 20 minutes but we pushed forward because we wanted to get something and that’s why we got the penalty.”
The 7:30pm kick-off will see high-flying Al Ahli take on Al Khor at Ahli stadium. The home side are fresh from a 2-0 derby day victory over Al Arabi and will be targeting a win to maintain their fourth place position in the league.
Head coach Luka Bonacic has certainly got his squad moving in the right direction based on the first four games of the season, and will be looking to continue their form. D.R Congo international Firmin Mubele has been central to the Brigadiers rise up the league table and could be amongst the goals again.
As for Al Khor, they will be looking to frustrate the free flowing football of Ahli, and be targeting at least a point on their travels. In round four, Khor shared the points with Al Kharitiyat in a 1-1 draw and currently sit in ninth place in the QSL standings.
French tactician Jean Fernandez prides himself on a well drilled backline, and will be expecting a big performance from Kuwaiti summer signing Sultan Al Enezi. The youngster has showed plenty of promise in his early Khor career and will certainly be targeting his second clean sheet of the season against Al Ahli.