Dominant Duhail stay unbeaten, crowned QSL champions

DOHA: A fitting end to their fairytale QNB Stars League (QSL) campaign. Al Duhail yesterday produced a dominating display yet again, thrashing Al Sailiya 5-2 on the day of their coronation in front of a home fans with Ismail Mohammed and Nam Tae Hee scoring a brace each.

Having sealed the coveted title already in Round 20, coach Djamel Belmadi’s side entered the game with an aim to finish the QSL season as the only unbeaten team and they did that in style with a clinical display.

The team, formed with the merger of former giants Lekhwiya and El Jaish, led the league right from the beginning and accumulated 60 points, from 19 victories and three drawn games from 22 games.

Belmadi’s men kep on thrashing their opponents throughout the league scoring a total of 86 goals and conceding only 27. Al Duhail’s attacking duo - Youssef El Arabi and Youssef Msakni – contributed more than half of their goals’ tally with Caen-born El Arabi ending as top scorer with 26 goals. Tunisia-based Msakni scored a total of 25 goals.

“I am very happy the way team performed in the last game,” a jubilant Belmadi said ahead of the ‘Falcon Shield’ presentation ceremony.

“I wanted the team to maintain their unbeaten run and the attitude players showed in the match is commendable. This result will definitely boost our confidence further in upcoming important events (Qatar Cup and Emir Cup),” the Algerian added.

Al Duhail’s aggressive display and hunger for goals throughout the season were the factors which separated them from other title-contenders Al Sadd and Al Rayyan and it was the same yesterday.

They showed no signs of complacency, in fact their appetite for goals persisted as they looked to score right from the start and Belmadi, who rested top scorer El Arabi ahead of Asian Champions League knock-out stage, didn’t have to wait for long to see a goal from his in-form team.

After few quick attacks, it was talented Moez Ali Abdulla who gave Al Duhail a lead in the ninth minute. The Qatar U-23 star took full advantage of a sloppy work from Al Sailya defender to score opener, finding the target with a diving kick from near the penalty spot.

Mohammed then fired back-to-back goals (28th and 42nd minute) to give the champions a 3-0 lead before the half-time.

The second session was not much different with Al Duhail pushing Al Sailiya to their defences with a fiery display. It was South Korean star Tae-Hee scored the 4th goal for Al Duhail in the 56th, scoring with a neat kick from just inside the circle after he was left unmarked.

Few minutes later, Al Duhail had an injury scare when Msakni was brought down by an Al Sailiya defender while attempting to score.

Al Sailya scored both their goals through Valentin Marius Lazar in the (80th and 91st minute) while Nam Tae completed his brace in 84th minute.