Al Wakrah’s Lucas Mendes (left) celebrates with Gelson Dala. PIC: Amr Diab
Al Wakrah yesterday registered a dominant 5-0 victory over bottom side Al Sailiya to stay third at the QNB Stars League (QSL) as Qatar SC climbed to fourth after thrashing Umm Salal 4-1.
Also yesterday, Al Rayyan grabbed a point after holding Al Gharafa to an exciting 2-2 draw thanks to a brace by Yohan Boli.
Lucas Mendes was the star for Al Wakrah scoring a brace at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium as the Blue Waves moved to 18 points, trailing leaders Al Duhail by five points.
The Brazilian opened scoring in 37th minute and registered his second goal seven minutes after the second half that saw Marquez Lopez’s side in top form.
Mohamed Benyettou made it 3-0 for Al Wakrah in 64th minute three minutes before Khalid Munir netted Al Wakrah’s fourth goal. Gelson Dala wrapped up a commanding victory with a goal in 74th minute.
It was eighth loss of the season for Sami Trabelsi-coached Al Sailiya, who just have four points to their credit from 10 matches.
At Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Qatar SC displayed a brilliant show to sink Umm Salal, scoring two goals in each half.
While Umm Salal enjoyed 67 percent ball possession and created many opportunities, it was Qatar SC who showed their scoring prowess in the match.
Seasoned Sebastian Soria handed them a second-minute lead with Moataz Bostami netting their second goal in 18th minute.
Umm Salal made a comeback through Jonathan Kodjia’s 27th minute goal but Youssef Safri’s side responded through strikes from Badr Benoun (55’) and Ben Malango (60’) to take match beyond Umm Salal’s reach.
The Orange Fortress failed to take advantage of a 63rd minute red card to Qatar SC’s Ibrahim Majed after his second yellow card.
Al Rayyan’s Yohan Boli celebrates after scoring a goal against Al Gharafa.
After collecting three points, Qatar SC moved to fourth spot in the QSL standings with 16 points while Umm Salal stayed 10th with 7 points.
In day’s second game at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan produced thrilling action as expected.
The Cheetahs gained lead through Mehdi Tahrat in 12th minute with Boli (45+1 minutes) scoring the equaliser. Al Gharafa regained advantage after Ishaq Belfodil struck in 57th minute but the lead was once again cancelled by the Ivory Coast star with seven minutes left.
Al Gharafa retained their seventh spot with 13 points following their fourth draw of the season while Al Rayyan stayed 11th with five points.
Still a long journey left: Al Arabi coach
Meanwhile, Al Arabi coach Younes Ali expressed satisfaction on his team’s performance despite a 2-0 defeat to Al Sadd in Qatar derby on Monday.
“The match was tough and was decided by small details,” Al Arabi coach said.
“The team dominated the midfield and fought until the last moment. I am satisfied with overall performance of the team but we could have got the lead in the first half after creating chances,” he added.
Santi Cazorla and Hassan Al Haydos scored for Al Sadd in the second half as Al Arabi suffered their second defeat of the season that pushed them to second from top.
Al Duhail took first spot courtesy to their 2-0 win over Al Shamal a few hours before Qatar derby.
Younes was unpertubed on losing the first place as he hoped his team will bounce back from loss to Al Sadd.
“The team is playing well and there is still a long journey left. We will now prepare for our next match,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo hoped the Red Knights will keep the top position.
“The team played well despite absence of some players and I am very happy. Our goal is to win all the remaining matches,” he said.
Kenyan striker Michael Olunga scored both of Al Duhail’s goals in the second half.
