The 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League witnessed challenges and difficulties, and competition between the teams lasted till the final round.

It is certain that the teams will seek to build on their positives and address areas for improvement in order to be better in the new season (2024-2025).

In successive episodes, we review each team’s performance in the 2023-2024 Expo Stars League.

QATAR SC

Qatar SC finished eighth in the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League standings with 25 points, on better goal difference than Al Shamal who had the same number of points. The Kings recorded seven victories, four draws and 11 defeats. They scored 39 goals and conceded 47.

Strengthening the ranks

Qatar SC started the season strongly by holding an overseas camp in Spain, where they played four friendly matches under Moroccan coach Youssef Safri. They signed a number of players at the beginning of season, most notably Brazilian Bruno Tabata from Palmeiras, and Abdullah Al Ahraq and Ali Malallah.

Top-four ambition

Qatar SC were aspiring at the beginning of the season to be in the top four, but faced difficulties and challenges, and they reflected on their results. But they came good especially in the last couple of rounds to ultimately end up in eighth place, dropping three spots in the final standings compared to their fifth-place finish in the 2022-2023 season with 36 points.

Changes at the helm

Due to decline in results in the first leg, the club management replaced Safri with Helio Sousa in October. However, the Portuguese had to give way to Yousef Al Noubi with two rounds to go, again due to decline in results and technical level, and the latter guided them to victory in Weeks 21 and 22, over Muaither and Al Duhail respectively.

Off with an exciting draw

Qatar SC began their campaign with an exciting 4-4 draw against Al Gharafa at the Khalifa International Stadium, then lost to Al Rayyan, drew with Umm Salal, and lost to both Al Sadd and Al Arabi.

First victory

In Week 6, Qatar SC scored their first victory by defeating Al Ahli 4-2 and the team finished the first leg in eighth place with 12 points.

Yohan Boli joins, team plays six friendlies

Qatar SC continued strong preparations during the Asian Cup break in order to make a solid comeback to the Expo Stars League. They played friendlies against Sepahan of Iran, FC Noah of Armenia, Shanghai Shenhua of China, Al Khor, Al Duhail and Al Rayyan.

They strengthened their ranks with Ivorian striker Yohan Boli on loan from Al Gharafa and defender Diab Haroun from Al Duhail.

League returns

After the league championship resumed, Qatar SC faced Umm Salal in Week 14 and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. However, they won their last two matches, against Muaither and Al Duhail, to end up in the eighth place.

Bruno Tabata, the team’s top scorer

Brazilian Bruno Tabata was Qatar SC’s top scorer in the league this season with nine goals, followed by Boli on seven goals. Boli had scored six goals for Al Gharafa in the first leg. Javi Martinez and Ben Malango scored six and five goals respectively for Qatar SC.