Qatar SC players celebrate after defeating Al Sadd yesterday.
Doha: Qatar SC pulled off a stunning upset against reigning champions Al Sadd while 10-man Al Rayyan held leaders Al Duhail in the Ooredoo Stars League yesterday.
With 29 points now in their possession, Al Duhail managed to cling to the top of the standings despite the draw, while the unexpected loss against the 11th-placed Qatar SC hampered Al Sadd’s chance to climb to second.
At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar SC who are battling to move away from the relegation zone, benefitted from an 83rd-minute own goal by Al Sadd’s Romain Saiss.
The breakthrough came as Saiss, trying to clear a corner, inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, handing Qatar SC the 1-0 lead.
Al Sadd then intensified the attack searching for an equaliser. During the stoppage time, Saiss made a brilliant finish, but his effort was ruled out for offside as Qatar SC walked away with a memorable victory which earned them full points.
Al Sadd are third in the standings with 25 points - four adrift of Al Duhail, while Qatar SC’s tally was raised to 13 points but they still sit 11th above bottom side Al Khor.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail failed to capitalise on a numerical advantage after Al Rayyan were reduced to 10 men as Abdulaziz Hatem was sent off for a reckless foul on Michael Olunga in the 55th minute at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Following Hatem’s red card, the momentum shifted towards Al Duhail, but Al Rayyan did their best defend well, with Habib and Andre Amaro playing crucial roles at the back.
Al Duhail pressed hard, creating several chances through Luis Alberto, Edmilson Junior and Benjamin Bourigeaud. However, it was Beldi who produced a standout performance, including a brilliant save to deny Bassam Al Rawi’s header in the 84th minute.
The closing minutes of the high-profile clash saw high intensity, but Al Duhail were unable to convert their chances.
While Al Duhail encountered their second stalemate of the season, Al Rayyan earned a point to raise their tally to 17 in fifth spot of the table.
