Al Sadd’s Akram Afif (left) in action during match against Al Wakrah at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium. RIGHT: Al Duhail’s Ferjani Sassi (left) celebrates with captain Karim Boudiaf after scoring his team’s first goal at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Al Duhail yesterday rallied to beat Al Sailiya 3-1 and extend their lead at top of the QNB Stars League (QSL) at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Defending champions Al Sadd also earned three points yesterday defeating Al Wakrah 4-2, thanks to a brace apiece from Akram Afif and Ayoub El Kaabi.
Under new coach Mirghani Al Zain, who replaced veteran Sami Trabelsi, bottom-placed Al Sailiya took lead with a Carlos Strandberg spot kick in 28th minute after Ismail Mohamad’s tackle against Ahmad M Yasser handed them a penalty.
After taking control of the match, Hernan Crespo’s Al Duhail equalised through Ferjani Sassi in 57th minute before Michael Olunga handed the Red Knights lead in 72nd minute.
Striker Almoez Ali sealed the victory for the Red Knights with a goal in eighth minute of stoppage time as they moved five points clear of Al Arabi with a tally of 42 points.
The Dream Team will play their Week 18 clash against Umm Salal tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd put up a dominant show against Al Wakrah to consolidate their third spot with 35 points at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium.
El Kaabi opened the scoring in 27th minute before Afif doubled the advantage for Al Sadd with a strike in 48th minute. Trent Sainsbury launched Al Wakrah’s fightback with a goal nine minutes later with Afif retaining the lead for Al Sadd in 66th minute.
Gelson Dala revived Al Wakrah’s hopes by scoring in 87th minute but El Kaabi netted his second goal the next minute to secure a thumping win for Al Sadd.
Today, Al Gharafa will take on Al Markhiya at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium with a top four place in their sights.
Al Gharafa are fifth in the standings with 26 points, on goal difference from Qatar SC (sixth). They are a point behind fourth-placed Al Wakrah.
Al Markhiya too are seeking full points as they are placed eighth in the standings with 18 points. Al Gharafa edged Al Markhiya 2-1 in the first leg.
“The upcoming matches in the league need redoubled efforts and focus. We will play these games as if they are cup matches and each match has its own importance,” Al Markhiya coach Abdullah Mubarak said ahead of the match.
Al Markhiya player Hisham Kamal said: “All players are fully prepared for the match after the good preparation that began after the Al Rayyan match. The physical, technical and psychological levels have increased.”
In other match today, Al Ahli will take on Al Shamal at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Al Ahli are currently seventh in the standings with 21 points while Al Shamal are 10th with 14 points.
“The importance of the match lies in the need to win and return to the winning path after we suffered losses in the last two rounds, against Qatar SC and Al Wakrah,” said Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic.
“It was necessary to take advantage of the break to equip the players and prepare the team to present a distinguished technical level against Al Shamal. Our goal in this match would be to win and return to the winning path.”
“Al Shamal are a strong team and appeared with a better face and a stronger level than their beginning in the competition, which makes it a strong match,” he added.
Both the teams played an exciting 2-2 draw in the first leg.
