With the completion of the most
interesting match of the preliminary round yesterday, the group phase of the
Asian Club League is over, and the pairings in the semi finals are now known.
Interesting fact: In the semis two Qatari teams will face two Kuwaiti teams.
In the first match of the day, Al
Quarain (KUW) desperately needed a victory to secure a berth in the semi
finals, but the Jordainian Al Salt had different plans. After very physical
game, Al Quarain managed to win just enough 22:21 and in this way secured a
spot in the semi finals and sent Al Salt in the battle for place 9/10.
In the second match Al Khalij Club (KSA)
was better than Ahli Sidab (OMA) and defeated them clearly 31:24. This result
means that Ahli Sidab will play agains Al Salt in order to avoid last place
while Al Khalij will play for placement between 5 and 8 over the weekend.
In the third match Lekhwiya conformed
the first place in the group by beating their compatriots Al Gahrafa 29:25 and
send them in the matches for placement from 5 to 8. Lekhwiya on the other hand
will face Al Kuwait’s Sports Club in the Semi Finals.
The last match of the day was the most
exciting as it determined the placement of the two semi-finalists, and their
opponents at this stage of the Competition. El Jaish were the favourites, a
role they justified by defeating Al Kuwait Sports Club 33:29.
The Semi Finals will be played on 6
December as follows:
17:00 Lekhwiya (QAT) – Al Kuwait Sports
Club (KUW)
19:30 El Jaish (QAT) – Al Qurain (KUW)
The medals matches are scheduled for
Monday, 8 December.