Al Sadd players celebrate after win over Qatar SC in their QSL match yesterday. Al Sadd won the match 1-0 at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. PIC: Hussein Sayed
Al Sadd are one victory away from retaining the QNB Stars League title after the leaders scraped to a 1-0 win over Qatar SC at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday.
Qatar SC defender Baha Al Leithi put the ball into his own net in the seventh minute to give his former team a victory in a postponed fixture, which was rescheduled due to Al Sadd’s COVID-19 crisis.
Al Sadd, who are still unbeaten in the league, have 49 points from 17 matches. The Wolves also have played a game less than second-placed Al Duhail, who are 10 points behind. Javi Gracia’s men can clinch the Falcon Shield for the 16th time if they beat Al Ahli on Monday.
“I am very happy with the victory today against Qatar SC. We achieved our goal in the match and got the three points,” Gracia said after yesterday’s win.
“This month we have played many matches and it’s been intense competition. We have not allowed other teams to create opportunities against us. We now wait for the most important moment of the season and are ready to take on Ahli,” the Spaniard added.
On the match against Ahli, Gracia said: “As usual, we do not have time to prepare for the match. We play many matches in one month. Now we will focus on recovery and try to prepare for the next match with full force.”
Al Sadd attacked more and created more chances in the first half, with Baghdad Bounedjah being at the helm of most of them. He was ably assisted by Rodrigo Tabata and Santi Cazorla with good midfield play. Hassan Al Haydos also played his part in the attack along the left flank.
Al Sadd surged ahead when Bahaa – who left Sadd at the start of the season – accidentally put the ball into his own net past goalkeeper Motasem Majed, following captain Al Haydos’ cross from the left, which was controlled by Bounedjah.
Striker Bounedjah missed a sitter in the 42nd minute as skied the ball from close range when the goalkeeper was out of his position. For Qatar SC, Sebastian Soria led the attacks.
The Kings’ best chance during the opening session came in the 18th minute when Javi Martinez’s first-time shot went narrowly over the bar. And Cazorla had a free-kick parried by the goalkeeper.
Qatar SC put up a much-improved display in the second half, but they were found wanting in finishing. Bounedjah had another good chance on the hour mark, but he sent his shot from the middle of the box wide of the target.
Bounedjah was later replaced by Andre Ayew and Musaab Kheder came in for Tabata. Ali Asad’s shot from close was blocked by Motasem after Qatar SC’s Omar Al Emadi shot over the bar.
Al Sadd survived some anxious moments towards the end as Qatar SC pressed hard for an equaliser. Qatar SC remained in eighth position in the table with 22 points after their eighth loss.
