Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah vies for ball possession with Al Shahania during the QNB Stars League (QSL) match in Doha yesterday.
DOHA: Al Sadd returned to top of QNB Stars League (QSL) standings after a 4-0 rout of Al Shahania while defending champions Al Duhail came back from behind to edge out a spirited Qatar SC 3-2 as Round 4 concluded after an eventful day in Doha.
Akram Afif scored a brace as Al Sadd, who defeated Iran’s Esteghlal in away leg of AFC Champions League quarter-final in Tehran, maintained their fabulous form to seal another one-sided victory at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday.
‘The Wolves’ now lead the table with 10 points on basis of a better scoring rate while Al Duhail – who overcame a two-goal deficit against Qatar SC yesterday - secured second spot on the points table with as many points.
Al Sadd relied on the first half onslaught to register huge win with their goal-machine Baghdad Bounedjah giving them an early breakthrough in the 3rd minute.
Qatar U-23 star Afif made 2-0 for Al Sadd five minutes later while Boualem Ahmad Khoukhi tripled their lead in the 14th minute.
Al Sadd continued the fiery display and Afif pulled off another goal in 40th minute to make it 4-0.
The Jesualdo Ferreira’s side continued to play attacking football but Al Shahania put up an improved display in the defense to keep Al Sadd guns silent.
With Al Shahania, concentrating on the defense, there was no hardship for Al Sadd in retaining their lead and walk away with a 4-0 triumph.
However, yesterday’s second match at the Khalifa International Stadium, offered a lot of drama as Al Duhail conceded a two-goal lead for the first time in the season. Al Duhail found their goals through Sandro Ferreira (own goal, 56th minute), Nam Tae-Hee (68th) and Mohammed Muntari (84th).
Ahmed Moein (38th minute) and Osama Omari (43rd) scored for Qatar SC.
Both teams were on the offensive right from the start, with Al Duhail creating more chances.
It was a tale of missed opportunities and bad luck for ‘The Red Knights’ in the first half despite having 67 per cent of the ball.
After attempts by Almoez Ali and Nam went in vain, Qatar SC’s Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o, who has had many accomplishments in his career with European teams, struck his shot against the crossbar from close.
Soon, Qatar SC goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail, who had a good outing, thwarted rival captain Mohammed Moosa. Moein took Qatar SC ahead with a long-ranger that went in past the outstretched hands of Khalifa Abubacker off the head of Bassam Al Rawi.
Al Duhail’s Brazilian forward Edmilson then tested the goal only to be foiled by the right upright. Moments later came the second goal that resulted from a defensive mistake by Lucas Mendes.
Hussein Ali trapped the ball from the Brazilian defender, who was off-colour, and crossed it to Syrian striker Osama who gave the finishing touches.
Al Duhail threw everything into the game post-breather.
Amid their consistent efforts, Qatar SC’s Brazilian midfielder Sandro accidentally headed into his own goal.
Nam and Muntari then found the target. The red card to Rami Fayez for his tussle with Edmilson added to ‘The Kings’ woes.
