Al Arabi's Yousef Msakni in action with Al Sailiya players. PIC: Abdul Basit
Doha: Al Shamal yesterday fought back to edge defending champions Al Sadd 2-1 to mark another impressive victory at the QNB Stars League (QSL) at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Also yesterday, Al Arabi registered an emphatic 5-1 victory over Al Sailiya to consolidate their top spot while Al Gharafa and Umm Salal played out a 2-2 draw.
Al Sadd got off to a bright start with Andre Ayew netting the opener in seventh minute before Al Shamal made a comeback with a penalty strike from Amjad Attwan in 20th minute.
A strike from Ali Olwan in the 34th minute proved decisive as Al Shamal gave a solid show in defence to keep their lead intact.
“All Sadd are a big team and it’s a great achievement from my team. Most importantly, we have earned three precious points with this victory,” Al Shamal coach Hisham Zahid said after the win.
“All the players showed responsibility both in defence and attack. Their fighting spirit in the game is commendable. I am also thankful to fans for their support in an important match.”
Al Shamal, who suffered back-to-back defeats in their last two matches, moved to nine points after their third win having defeated Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa in the opening weeks.
Later at the same venue, Al Arabi came back strongly from a defeat to Al Duhail last week, crushing Al Sailiya after Youssef Msakni (51’ and 82’) and Omar Al Somah (49’and 61’) scored a brace each.
Abdulaziz Al Ansari (17th minute) scored first goal for the winners after Swede Carlos Strandberg put Al Sailiya ahead in eighth minute.
Al Arabi’s new signing Rafinha Alcantara also made his Qatar debut, with the Brazilian midfielder being introduced by coach Younes Ali in 72nd minute.
The QSL leaders moved four points clear of second-placed Al Wakrah with 15 points.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kodjia converted two penalties (26’, 79’) as Umm Salal held Al Gharafa to a draw at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Ahmed Al Ganehi (45+2’) and Yaccine Brahimi (66’) scored for Al Gharafa, who moved to fourth with nine points.
Al Duhail look to maintain momentum
Meanwhile, Al Duhail will host Qatar SC at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium today.
The Red Knights, who defeated Al Arabi 3-0 in their previous match to jump to third on the table, are looking to continue the momentum with a win against Qatar SC, who also bagged full points in their last game after defeating Al Shamal. Qatar SC have earned seven points from their first five matches.
Also today, Al Wakrah and Al Ahli will square off at the Grand Hamad Stadium. While Al Wakrah are second on the table, Al Ahli are sixth with eight points, hoping to climb up the table with a win.
The Blue Waves were held to a goalless draw by Al Markhiya while Al Ahli played out an exciting 3-3 draw against Al Gharafa last week.
In today’s first match, Al Rayyan will be hoping to clinch their first win of the season when they meet Al Markhiya at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. After losing four consecutive matches, the Lions ended their losing streak with a draw against Umm Salal in their previous match. Coach Nicolas Cordova will be keen to notch up first full points to rise from the bottom of the table.
But Al Markhiya will be another tough test for the former champions as Abdullah Mubarak-coached side has earned positive results in the opening weeks including a shock win over Al Sadd in the season-opener.
Week 6
Yesterday's Results
Al Sadd 1-2 Al Shamal
Al Sailiya 1-5 Al Arabi
Al Gharafa 2-2 Umm Salal
Today
6:10pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Markhiya at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium
8:20pm: Al Duhail vs Qatar SC at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium
8:20pm: Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah at Grand Hamad Stadium
