Alaaeldin stars as Al Gharafa collect full points

DOHA: Al Gharafa received a much-needed boost in their QNB Stars League (QSL) campaign, claiming a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Arabi in their Round 8 clash on their home turf, yesterday.

Striker Ahmed Alaaeldin was the star for Al Gharafa, scoring a brace in the win as Al Gharafa collected coveted 3 points to take their points tally into double figures.

Coming back from a shock 2-0 defeat against Al Kharaitiyat last week, Al Gharafa looked an improved side with an attacking display in the first half against Al Arabi.

They opened their account in the 13th minute off a free-kick from Abdelaziz Hatem, taken wide on the right. Hatem feigned a cross, but instead curled his free-kick over the wall and into the near post with the goalkeeper caught off guard.

Playing without Dutch star Wesley Sneijder, who is on the sidelines with an injury, Al Gharafa continued to dominate Al Arabi, who entered the match with a five-point lead over The Cheetahs.

Al Gharafa managed to strike twice in the last five minutes of the first half through Alaaeldin goals, which proved enough for them to secure their third victory of the season.

Alaaeldin scored his first goal in the 40th minute and then beat two defenders in final minute of the first half.

Al Arabi created chances in the second half but lacked execution and were unable to pose any threat to Al Gharafa’s lead. Despite the defeat, Al Arabi are ahead of Al Gharafa in the points standings with 12 points. In another match at Qatar SC Stadium yesterday, hosts Qatar SC outclassed Al Kharaitiyat to secure maximum points.

Star Samuel Eto’o stunned Al Kharaitiyat with an early goal, firing the ball past keeper from outside the box in the 5th minute.

In almost a similar goal, Osama Mahmoud Omari stretched the lead in injury time of the first half, which remained intact in the second half.

In today’s matches, Al Khor will host Al Rayyan while Al Shahania will take on Al Ahli at Al Arabi Stadium.