Al Markhiya face Al Shahaniya in the Play-Off to determine the team that qualifies for the First Division league in the 2024-2025 season. The kick-off is at 7pm at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

The Play-Off pits the 11th-placed team (Al Markhiya) in the final standings of 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League against the second-placed team (Al Shahaniya) in Second Division championship.

The match is of great importance for both teams as the winners will earn a berth in the 2024-2025 season league and the losers will play in the Second Division.

Al Markhiya had done well towards the end of Expo Stars League and recorded many positive results to finish 11th with 18 points, whereas 12th-placed side Muaither got straightaway relegated to the Second Division.

Al Markhiya’s Algerian coach Madjid Bougherra will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to stay in the league. He will rely mainly on Iraqi Bashar Resan, Moroccan Driss Fettohi, Gambian striker Yusupha Njie, goalkeeper Louay Ashour and Talal Ali.

On the other hand, Al Shahaniya, coached by Spaniard Alvaro Mejia, hope to make the cut after coming up second behind Al Khor in the Second Division. However, their desire and determination paves the way for a strong encounter.

Al Shahania and Al Khor were tied on 33 points, but head-to-head record favoured The Knights.

Al Shahaniya boast of Sierra Leone professional Alhassan Koroma, Abdulrahman Masaad and Abdulaziz Al Yahri among others.