Lusail throws down the gauntlet ahead of facing Al Rayyan in its debut in the Doha Bank Stars League

Lusail Sports Club held a press conference today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, regarding their match against Al Rayyan Club in the first round of the Doha Bank Stars League for the 2026/2027 season. The conference was attended by Portuguese coach Emanuel Mesquita, team player Hossam Kamal, and media representatives.

The match holds special significance for Lusail Club, as it marks the team's debut in the Doha Bank Stars League in the club's history, following their promotion to the top tier after winning the Second Division title last season.

The Lusail vs. Al Rayyan match is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, at 7:30 PM.

Portuguese coach Emanuel Mesquita, manager of Lusail's first football team, expressed his great happiness at being in the Doha Bank Stars League for the first time in the club's history, emphasizing the team's enthusiasm for this new experience and competing against the best teams in Qatar.

Mesquita said during the conference: "We are extremely happy to be among the best teams in Qatar, and to have achieved..." “We have a chance to compete against them, and we are extremely excited to start the competition and show what we are capable of.”

Regarding facing Al Rayyan in the opening round, the coach confirmed the team’s readiness, saying: “Al Rayyan is a strong team, but after a very good preparation period, we are ready to show what we can do.” “After reaching the Doha Bank Stars League, we want to prove to everyone that we deserve to be here and compete among the best.”

For his part, Hossam Kamal, a player on Lusail’s first football team, confirmed the team’s complete readiness for the start of the season, emphasizing that all the players are looking forward to a strong start and a positive result against Al Rayyan.

Hossam Kamal said: “The preparation for the Al Rayyan match was at the highest level, and we are determined to achieve a distinguished start and a positive result. The Lusail team is ready to put on a respectable performance this season in its first participation in the Doha Bank Stars League.”

He added: “The preparatory camp that was held in the Netherlands was of a very high standard, and the friendly matches that the team played raised our level of readiness for the new season. Our goals go beyond simply staying in the Doha Bank Stars League.”

Lusail enters its historic first season among the clubs of the Doha Bank Stars League with high ambitions and a clear desire to present a respectable image that reflects the work that the club has done during the past period, and to build a team capable of competing and proving its presence among the elite from the first round.