DOHA: Powered by goals from Khalfan Ibrahim and Nadir Belhadj, Qatar Stars League (QSL) points leaders Al Sadd yesterday edged past Al Wakra 2-1 for their seventh successive win this season.
With national team players back in the fold, Al Sadd’s Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute.
It was the Qatari striker’s 5th goal in the last three matches for the Doha giants.
Belhadj, the 30-year-old Alegrian winger, fired the decisive goal for Al Sadd in the 57th minute.
For Al Wakra, Ahmed Ali scored in the 51st minute.
Coached by Hussein Amute, Al Sadd have played seven matches and won all the fixtures.
Al Sadd lead the QSL standings with 21 points.
Also yesterday, Jarrallah Al Marri rescued Heir Apparent Cup winners Al Rayyan with a brace as Diego Aguirre-coached side beat Al Kharaitiyat 2-1.
Al Marri scored 73rd and in extra time (90 + 3) to seal Al Rayyan’s fourth win of the season.
Al Rayyan are in second place with 13 points from 7 matches.
For Al Kharaitiyat, the ever-reliable Yahya Keipi found the net in extra time (90 + 4).
In the third clash of the day, a couple of late goals helped former QSL champions Al Gharafa edge past Al Khor in their round-seven clash.
Diego Tardelli (71) and Fatham Al Shammari (78) powered the former champions to a 2-1 win on home soil.
Earlier, Julio Cesar had converted from the spot kick in the 61st minute.
Al Gharafa, coached by Paulo Silas, beat Eljaish 2-0 almost a month ago in what the club’s first win this season.
The “Leopards’ have 9 points from 7 matches.
Defending champions Lekhwiya, who are coached by Belgian Eric Gerets, are in third spot with 13 points.
Fouth-placed Eljaish, who also have 13 points, are one slot behind Lekhwiya, following their 3-0 win against Al Arabi on Saturday.
Martins Adriano and a brace from Brazil’s Wagner Ribeiro secured the three points.
Al Wakra, who started the season with three back-to-back wins, have failed to post a victory in the last four fixtures.
The next round of matches commence on November 23 when QSL leaders Al Sadd host Al Khor.
Eljaish, will be aiming to continue their impressive form when they play Al Wakra.
Elsewhere, Aguirre’s Al Rayyan welcome former QSL champions Al Gharafa at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.
The next day, Al Sailiyah will be aiming to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat against Umm Salal, when they host Qatar SC.
Bottom side Al Kharaitiyat, who have won once this seasonhave a date with Geret’s side Lekhwiya.
In the other QSL match Umm Salal will be hoping to maintain their winning streak when they tackle winless Al Arabi, who are coached by Hassan Shehata.
THE PENINSULA
