Al Sadd's Rodrigo Tabata (right) and Al Duhail's Assim Madibo in action during yesterday's QNB Stars League match at Al Sadd Stadium.
Rodrigo Tabata scored the all-important goal as Al Sadd defeated Al Duhail 1-0 in a thrilling QNB Stars League (QSL) match at Al Sadd Stadium, yesterday.
While the result did not change the positions on top of points standings, it may play a big role in deciding the QSL champions during the last two rounds.
Following the defeat, Al Duhail, who are leading the standings with 46 points, saw their lead over Al Rayyan cut to just one point, while defending champions Al Sadd also kept their mathematical chance of retaining the title alive, with the crucial win.
The 24th minute strike, which gave Al Sadd their third consecutive victory following league’s resumption, was Tabata’s first goal for his new team.
Top Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb also played a key role in Al Sadd’s victory with several outstanding saves in the second half.
It was an observing battle, which was dominated by Al Sadd by showing a balanced performance in both defence and attack.
Ahead of the kick off of the highly-anticipated tie, both teams showed solidarity with Lebanese people with captains displaying their national flag during the opening ceremony as part of Qatar's ‘Lebanon in Our Hearts’ campaign.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail’s Han Kwang Song took first shot on target within seconds of kick off as match got off to a fast start, with Al Duhail holding a slight edge in the first 15 minutes.
Both teams fought to take control of the game early with maximum ball possession. Al Sadd gained momentum and won their first corner in 19 minute before Tabata put them ahead with an all-important goal.
The veteran was on target from a close range off an assist from striker Baghdad Boundejah, who got a rebound from Al Duhail goalkeeper Mohammed Ahmed, trying to block a fine hit by captain Hassan Al Haydos.
The goal gathered more pace as Al Duhail took an aggressive approach. But, it was Al Sadd, who came close to scoring their second goal but Boundejah’s hit just missed the target.
Al Duhail striker Almoez Ali’s attempt on a header was a little high in 44th minute as Al Sadd went into the half-time with an advantage.
The second half brought more thrilling action with both teams exchanging attacks, and referee Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim had to caution Al Sadd’s Abdulkarim Hassan at one stage.
Al Sheeb kept Al Sadd lead intact by blocking a header from Mohamed Muntari in 59th minute, and two minutes later he again made a fine save by stopping Song, who sprinted inside the circle, with only goalkeeper to beat.
The Qatari goalkeeper made few more saves as Al Duhail continued to attack in search of a leveler.
They were unlucky in 87th-minute when Paulo Edmilson’s hit struck the top bar.
Al Duhail, bringing fresh players to return in the tie, continued to push for a goal late in the match but Al Sadd were solid in their defence yesterday, defying all attacks to take sweet revenge of their loss in the first leg.
Earlier yesterday, Umm Salal and Al Ahli played out a 1-1 draw at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Rasul Bezerra’s goal in the 45th minute gave the lead for Umm Salal against Al Ahli, who were helped by an own goal by The Orange Fortress’ Rami Fayez in the 72nd minute.
Umm Salal and Al Ahli now have 17 and 20 points respectively.
