Football powerhouses Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa clinched victories yesterday as QNB Stars League (QSL) marked its return in style four months after the game came to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jonathan Kodjia yesterday struck the winner for Al Gharafa - who resumed the season in a match against Al Arabi at the Al Janoub Stadium - before Al Rayyan clinched a thrilling 2-1 win over fighting Qatar SC thanks to a late strike from Yohan Boli. Kodjia, the Ivory Coast forward, who joined 'The Cheetahs' in January, scored the winning goal in the 22nd minute as Al Gharafa took their points tally to 31.
Yesterday’s win was their ninth this season. Yesterday, at the Qatar 2022 venue, the season’s resumption was dedicated to healthcare workers who serve the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although matches are now played without fans as per the protocol and precautionary measures, the Round-18 clash provided thrillers for the TV viewers. The game was evenly fought, with Al Gharafa, coached by Serb Slavisa Jokanovic, having an upper hand early on. They reaped the rewards halfway through the opening session, with Abdulghani Muneer providing Kodjia with a defence-splitting pass and the latter finding the target dodging past a couple of Al Arabi players and beating goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
Kodjia, the former Aston Villa forward, had a narrow miss in the 42nd minute as he hit wide of the left upright and then hit straight to the goalkeeper. Al Arabi’s attacks were feeble as Pierre-Michel Lasogga and Yousef Abdulrazaq failed to breach the rival fort.
'The Dream Team', seeking a victory in their bid to break into the top four to give themselves a chance to play in the Qatar Cup and AFC Champions League, upped the ante in the second half. Lasogga headed wide soon after the hour-mark as the rivals went slightly on the backfoot.
The tall German forward again sent his shot straight to Burhan in the 77th minute. Icelander Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men could not make any roads despite the best efforts of their captain as Al Gharafa registered a crucial victory.
Meanwhile, at the Al Sadd Stadium, Al Rayyan continued with their push towards the title. Kayke Rodriguez had put Qatar SC ahead in the 10th minute before Yacine Brahimi (40) levelled the scores with a spot kick. Boli’s late strike (83) broke the deadlock to secure the victory for Al Rayyan.
Yesterday's result keeps Al Rayyan just a point behind leaders Al Duhail, who will play Umm Salal today. Al Rayyan now have 41 points (12 wins, five draws and one defeat), whereas Qatar SC remained on 17 points (four victories, five draws and nine defeats).
Qatar SC are not completely safe from the relegation threat. However, they have put up better displays ever since exQatar international midfielder Wesam Rizik took charge of the squad, replacing Spanish coach Carlos Alos Ferrer, under whom they dropped many points. Qatar SC had lost to Al Rayyan by a 0-5 margin in the first leg.
