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Brahimi joins Gharafa after three seasons with Rayyan

Brahimi joins Gharafa after three seasons with Rayyan

Gulf Times

Algerian midfielder Yacine Brahimi has joined Al Gharafa after spending three seasons with another Qatar Stars League outfit Al Rayyan. After Gharafa announced Brahimi’s arrival, the player himself took to his Instagram handle to confirm the news.

Brahimi thanked the Rayyan family for their support. “I would like to thank you for these three beautiful years with Rayyan FC and especially for your unfailing support,” Brahimi said.

“I spent three beautiful years full of unforgettable moments. I thank my teammates, all the technical staff and all the people working for Rayyan FC. And especially a big thanks to all the supporters, who since my arrival, have always supported me. This great club will forever be in my heart. I wish you lots of success and trophies, Inshallah,” the 32-year-old added.

Brahimi will wear number 8 shirt in the colours of the seven-time Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions Gharafa, who will present the Algerian at a press conference today.

Brahimi, who was part of the Algerian team when they clinched the AFCON title, has been wearing the national colours since 2013 and has scored 14 goals in 66 international appearances.

Andrea Stramaccioni-coached Al Gharafa missed out on a top-four finish at last season’s QSL and ended up in fifth position with 30 points, and they hope for a significant improvement in the next season after roping in Brahimi, who has played influential role for his national team and previous clubs.

The Cheetahs registered nine wins, three draws and lost 10 matches, and scored the most number of goals after champions Al Sadd (80) and runners-up Al Duhail (59).

Al Gharafa’s AFC Champions League campaign this year ended after they finished third in their Group with five points from one win and two draws.

The former Rennes, Clermont, Granada and Porto player, Brahimi made his Qatar Stars League debut in July 2019 and scored 15 goals and assisted 5 times in 22 appearances in his first season in which the Lions finished second.

During his time in Qatar, Brahimi has scored 33 goals and provided 18 assists in 83 matches in all competitions at Al Rayyan.

Al Gharafa will kick off their new QSL season when they will meet Al Sailiya on August 2 at Khalifa International Stadium.