Al Khor captain Ahmad Hassan Al Mohannadi celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal.
Doha: Al Khor registered the biggest upset of the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) season, defeating leaders Al Duhail 2-1 at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday for first win of their campaign.
The loss, Al Duhail’s second of the season after a September defeat to Al Shahania, trimmed their lead to three points.
Al Khor coach Mehdi Nafti celebrates the victory.
Al Sadd and Al Ahli played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Akram Afif and Julian Draxler each scoring a brace. Meanwhile, Al Rayyan edged Qatar SC 2-1 to climb to seventh in the standings.
Despite starting as strong favourites on home turf, Al Duhail were outclassed by a resilient Al Khor, who sealed a memorable win as the hosts squandered a late penalty.
The Red Knights dominated early but failed to capitalise and Al Khor broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. Ahmad Hassan Al Mohannadi latched onto Yohan Boli’s pass, outmaneuvered a defender, and tapped in after a fumble by Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria.
Two minutes into the second half, Ruben Semedo doubled Al Khor’s lead with a perfectly executed header off Sofiane Hanni’s free-kick.
Al Duhail pulled one back in the 72nd minute when Edmilson Junior converted Ismail Mohamed’s cross. However, Luis Alberto squandered a golden chance to equalise six minutes from time, firing a penalty high after Adil Rhaili’s handball.
Al Khor defended valiantly during 14 minutes of stoppage time to clinch the win lifting their tally to seven points, three behind 11th-placed Qatar SC.
“We played one of our best matches of the season today, even though, on paper, we were not the favourites,” said Al Khor captain Al Mohannadi.
“The players, management and coaching staff all played their roles perfectly. The coach trusted the game plan and we managed to capitalise on two or three chances, which was something we struggled with in previous matches. We knew we have to win this match because we are in a precarious position in the league.”
At Al Thumama Stadium, Afif handed Al Sadd an early lead in the 13th minute, slotting home from close range. Al Ahli squandered a penalty shortly after with Sekou Yansane striking the post and Driss Fettouhi sending the rebound over the bar.
Al Sadd's Akram Afif in action during the match agianst Al Ahli.
Draxler equalised in first-half stoppage time, dispossessing Boualem Khoukhi and chipping past goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. The German international struck again in the 52nd minute, rounding Barsham after a brilliant through ball.
Afif leveled the score nine minutes later with a precise low shot from outside the box. The draw left both teams tied on 22 points, with Al Sadd holding second place on goal difference and Al Ahli in third.
“I am satisfied with the result though I was hoping for a win because Al Ahli delivered a strong performance," Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan said.
“The league has reached the halfway stage and I am happy with our performance so far. We are looking forward to maintaining our form when the league resumes after the break.”
At Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Roger Guedes gave Al Rayyan an early lead in the sixth minute, with Trezeguet doubling the advantage in the 42nd.
Ahmed Abdel Kader pulled one back for Qatar SC in the 64th minute but the Lions held on to move to 13 points, just behind Al Shamal on goal difference.
