Al Shamal will become the ninth Qatari side to play in the AFC Champions League Elite and victory will make them just the third side from their nation to triumph in their opening continental game.

They will face Al Ittihad with a spring in their step, having kicked off their Qatar Stars League campaign with two wins and two draws.

Al Ittihad will be determined to go all the way after missing out on the continental trophy last season and will feel they have the squad to see off the challenge of Al Shamal.

While it will be a first encounter with Al Shamal, Al Ittihad have won their last two matches against Qatari opposition.