Al Shamal will clash with reigning champions Al Sadd in Week 1 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium of Al Rayyan club. The kick-off is at 8.30pm.

The outcome of the match will be of high importance to both teams as holders Al Sadd are looking for a strong start, while Al Shamal will be keen to give their best to get a positive result that will help them as the new season kicks off.

Al Shamal will enter the season with significant reinforcements in terms of players. The new season will also see Al Shamal return to the Portuguese school of coaching after signing Nuno Almeida, who has experience in the Qatar having worked with Al Sadd in two terms.

Al Shamal succeeded in renewing the contracts of Abdalla El Rady, the team's goalkeeper, Mouafak Awad, Jassim Al Hashemi, Fahad Waad and Faisal Azadi, for two more seasons until 2026.

They also signed Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah, considered as one of the most prominent strikers in the past seasons, from Al Sadd as well as midfielder Tilal Ali from Al Markhiya.

On the other hand, Al Sadd signed Spanish coach Felix Sanchez for two seasons until 2026.

Al Sadd also strengthened their ranks with a number of new deals, including Spaniard Rafa Mujica, Malian Mohamed Camara and Algerian defender Abdessamed Bounacer. Giovanni Henrique, who was absent all last season with a cruciate ligament injury. They also regained the services of Moroccan defender Romain Saiss after his loan last season to Saudi Arabian team Al Shabab.