Qatar SC's Nasir Peer Baksh celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal against Al Arabi, yesterday.
Al Duhail retained their top stop at the QNB Stars League (QSL) after a 1-0 victory against Al Wakrah following a thrilling clash at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium yesterday.
Youssef Farahat scored the winning goal in third minute of the match which saw flurry of exchanges from both the sides but the Red Knights held on for a win, moving to 26 points on top of the table.
In another exciting clash yesterday, Qatar SC edged Al Arabi 3-2 to jump to third in the standings with 19 points. Al Rayyan also climbed one position up to 10th after beating Al Shamal 2-1 for their second win of the season.
As expected, the top-of-the-table clash produced pulsating action as Farahat headed a Khaled Saleh’s cross to give Al Duhail an early lead.
Al Wakrah pressed hard for the goal taking as many as 18 attempts but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Al Duhail too missed several chances including a golden opportunity for striker Almoez Ali, who failed to beat goalkeeper Saoud Mubarak Al Khater after receiving a brilliant cross inside the box in 20th minute.
However, Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo was “proud” of his team’s performance in the game.
“It was a tough match but the team showed strong character,” Crespo said after the victory.
“We overcame many difficulties on and off the pitch, and cope up with absences this season but the players continued to fight and now we are on top. We want to continue wining run and stay on top,” he added.
Al Wakrah slipped to fourth in the standings with 18 points after the loss.
Osamah Al Tairi celebrates after scoring Al Rayyan's second goal against Al Shamal.
Qatar SC prevail in thriller
At Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Arabi enjoyed almost 70 percent of possession but Qatar SC showed superior scoring capability to seal three crucial points in an absorbing tie.
Qatar SC struck twice within five minutes through Omar Al Emadi (13th minute) and Nasir Peer Baksh (18th minute) before Al Arabi cut the lead with a 25th strike by Helal Mohammed.
Ben Malango extended Qatar SC lead again in 69th minute with Aron Gunnarsson giving Al Arabi hope of a comeback in the 82nd minute.
Qatar SC, however, resisted well despite an 88th minute red card to Bashar Rasan to retain their lead and grabbed maximum points. Al Arabi stayed second with 22 points after their third loss of the season.
Earlier at the same venue, Al Rayyan earned a welcome victory taking their tally to eight points.
Yohan Boli opened the scoring in 15th minute while Osamah Al Tairi doubled Al Rayyan’s lead in 42nd minute. Loick Landre scored Al Shamal’s only goal in 45th minute.
Jovovic hopes Al Ahli to continue good show
Meanwhile, Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic expressed his delight after the Brigadiers rallied to beat Umm Salal 3-1 on Sunday moving to 17 points from 11 games.
After Jonathan Kodjia gave Umm Salal lead, Al Ahli equalised through Hossein Kanaanizadegan’s penalty with Sofiane Hanni’s brace completing the victory.
“The team gave a strong response after conceding the goal that makes me happy,” said Jovovic.
“The players put up a spirited performance which is what we need in the remaining season. This win will give confidence to players ahead of the tough match against Al Duhail. We will need the same commitment against the leaders,” he added.
Al Ahli, who are fifth in the standings, face the Red Knights at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on February 2.
