Al Sadd's Akram Afif (second right) celebrates after scoring a goal.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd have made a perfect start to their Qatar Stars League title defence despite entering the season with three key players sidelined by injuries, while newcomers Lusail are quickly showing they can compete at the top-flight level.
Three rounds into the season, Al Sadd are the only team with a perfect record after their 4-1 win over Al Gharafa on Saturday took them to nine points, two clear of Al Shamal and Al Rayyan.
The defending champions had been dealt an early blow even before their opening game, with Rafa Mujica, Mohamed Camara and Abdessamed Bounacer ruled out through injury. Their response has been emphatic, winning all three league matches while also overcoming Al Gharafa in the Qatar Cup semi-final last week.
Akram Afif has again been central to their strong start, scoring once and providing an assist against Al Gharafa, while the team has shown enough depth to cope with the absence of three important players.
Al Sadd will look to extend their winning run against bottom side Al Sailiya at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.
Al Sailiya have lost all three of their matches and are still without a point, giving the champions an opportunity to maintain their early advantage at the top.
While Al Sadd are setting the early standard, Lusail have emerged as one of the most encouraging stories of the opening rounds.
The newcomers recorded their first-ever QSL victory on Friday, producing an emphatic 4-0 win over Al Wakrah. It was a significant moment for a club making its debut in the top flight after winning their maiden Second Division League title last season.
Lusail had already shown promise in their opening two matches, losing narrowly 1-0 to Al Rayyan before holding Al Ahli to a 3-3 draw.
The victory over Al Wakrah took them to four points and sixth place, leaving them just one point behind Al Arabi and Al Duhail.
For coach Emanuel Mesquita, the result was important not only for the points but also for the confidence it can give a team adjusting to the demands of the top flight.
“It’s just one match and three points, but it’s important for giving the team and the players confidence,” Mesquita said.
“The group is working very well, and we feel we’re improving from match to match.”
Lusail now face another useful test when they meet Al Gharafa at Khalifa International Stadium on Friday.
Al Gharafa have three points after suffering their second successive defeat and will be looking to stop Lusail’s early momentum. Al Shamal and Al Rayyan are Al Sadd’s closest challengers after three rounds, both on seven points.
Al Shamal moved into second after recovering from a 2-1 deficit to beat Al Shahania 4-2, while Al Rayyan were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Duhail.
Al Rayyan will look to return to winning ways against Al Ahli at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday. Al Ahli have four points following their 1-0 victory over Qatar SC.
Al Duhail will face Al Shahania at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. Al Arabi will meet Qatar SC at Al Thumama Stadium on the same day.
At the other end of the table, Al Sailiya remain the only team without a point after three defeats, while Qatar SC and Al Wakrah have one point each. Al Gharafa and Al Shahania have three points apiece.
