Al Duhail players celebrate after Nam Tae-hee's goal.
Doha: Al Duhail overcame the absence of an injured Edmilson Junior to edge Al Markhiya 1-0, thanks to a second half winner by Nam Tae-hee at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Also yesterday, Gelson Dala excelled again as Al Wakrah blanked Qatar SC 3-0 to lead the QNB Stars League (QSL) points table with 10 points, though Al Arabi (9 points) can regain their top spot in tomorrow’s match against Al Shamal.
The Red Knights produced a dominant performance against promoted Al Markhiya, who have been impressive in the start of season, but missed several opportunities including a 16th minute chance when striker Michael Olunga was off target from a close range.
Al Markhiya also came close to scoring in the 26th minute but Jugurtha Hamroun’s strike hit the crossbar.
It was an attack from a left flank that sealed three points for Al Duhail, with Tae-hee – assisted by Nasser Saleh – on target in 54th minute.
Al Duhail also had their goal disallowed by VAR in the 76th minute. The Red Knights moved to seven points after the win with Al Markhiya staying on four points.
Later at the Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah scored their first goal two minutes before half-time when Murad Naji collected a long cross from Mohamed Khlied to slot the ball in for a lead.
The Blue Waves doubled their lead in the 47th minute when Dala set up Khlied, who was on target from a close range.
Dala wrapped up a commanding win with a goal in third minute of stoppage time.
Al Sadd, Al Gharafa seek points
Meanwhile, reigning champions Al Sadd and Al Gharafa will clash today in the week’s one of the most anticipated games.
The matches between the two sides are known for producing exciting action and with both the teams tied on four points; the game has gained more interest.
The Wolves are heading into the tie after a victory over Al Ahli last week, and coach Juan Manuel Lillo said his team was looking to earn their second successive win.
“The recent victory gave us a great motivation especially to our young players. The team is doing better than what we have seen so far and winning the next match will definitely help us move forward,” he said.
Al Gharafa coach Andrea Stramaccioni was expecting a tough challenge from Al Sadd.
“Al Sadd are a champion side but we are ready as we prepared well for the match. I am happy with my team’s performance and particularly our young players are performing well. Al Sadd are also playing with youngsters so the match is going to be a tough challenge,” he said.
In other match at the Ahmad Ali Stadium today, Al Rayyan will be looking to open their account when they face Al Ahli in their fourth match.
The Lions, coached by Nicolas Cordova, are the only side in the league who are yet to score a point after the first three matches.
“Of course, regarding the team’s results, there is a kind of pressure and we will play the match with the best we have. The important thing for us is to work and work, to achieve a positive result,” said Cordova before adding the recent injuries have made the task difficult for his side.
Al Ahli are hoping to bounce back after loss to Al Sadd, with coach Nebojsa Jovovic expecting another difficult match.
“We know that Al Rayyan have not achieved any victory so far in the league, but that does not mean that we can beat them easily. We have to make every effort and do our best to win it,” said Jovovic.
Al Ahli are on four points with a win and a draw against Umm Salal and Al Duhail respectively.
