Al Wakrah’s Mohamed Benyettou (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Al Rayyan.
Algerian forward Mohamed Benyettou scored the winner as Al Wakrah edged 10-man Al Rayyan 1-0 to keep their fourth spot ahead of their final game of the QNB Stars League (QSL) season.
The Blue Waves, who moved to 36 points following the win, secured a four-point lead over Al Gharafa, who will face second-placed Al Arabi in their penultimate match today. Qatar SC, who are also on 32 points and will meet Al Ahli, are the other side in contention for a top four finish.
After Al Wakrah squandered several chances against the depleted Lions, Benyettou scored in 76th minute with a rising the header following a fine scoop by substitute Yousef Tarek Al Khatib from a distance.
Al Rayyan could have scored in 51st minute but Sofiane Boufal missed a penalty saved by Al Wakrah goalkeeper Omair Abdullah. A goal by Boufal later in the second half was disallowed after he was ruled offside.
Al Rayyan were reduced to 10 men in 18th minute of the match with goalkeeper Ivanildo Rodriguesdos receiving a red card for a foul against Yusuf Abdurisag.
“We got an early advantage after a red card to Al Rayyan goalkeeper but we wasted many chances. Still, we have earned three points to stay in the top four,” Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez said after the win.
“But there is one match remaining and we still have not achieved our goal to finish the league among top four sides. We will have to continue our efforts and prepare for the last match [against Al Sailiya],” he added.
Relegation threat hangs over Al Rayyan
The defeat dealt a blow to Al Rayyan’s bid to avoid relegation from the top flight as they slipped to 10th in the standings with 17 points, with Al Shamal taking a one point advantage over them after a 1-1 draw against Umm Salal at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium yesterday.
The Orange Fortress earned a point after a last-gasp goal by Adel Al Sulaimane (90+9 minutes), equalising Matias Nani’s 24th minute goal for Al Shamal.
Umm Salal stayed on 11th with 17 points – securing a one point lead over Al Sailiya, who remained on the bottom despite their 3-1 comeback win over Al Markhiya at Grand Hamad Stadium, yesterday.
Ze Turbo put Al Markhiya ahead in 8th minute with Al Sailiya making a comeback through a brace from Mehrdad Mohammadi, who scored his first goal in 45th minute before converting a penalty in 77th minute.
Ismail Khafi sealed win for Al Sailiya with a goal in first minute of stoppage time.
