Al Ahli’s Naim Sliti (right) celebrates after scoring a goal.
Doha, Qatar: Naim Sliti scored twice as Al Ahli produced a ruthless performance to thrash Al Sailiya 5-0 in the Qatar Stars League at Al Thumama Stadium yesterday.
In the other match of the day, Mohamed Surag struck in the second half to hand Al Shahania a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lusail SC.
Al Ahli started aggressively, with Sliti opening the scoring in the 16th minute after dispossessing a defender inside the box to give his team an early lead. The Brigadiers doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Julian Draxler finished off a move after exchanging passes with Sliti.
The Tunisian forward struck again five minutes later to put Al Ahli firmly in control at half-time.
Benjamin Bourigeaud extended the lead to 4-0 three minutes into the second half, rising high to connect with a corner. Ibrahim Majid’s own goal seven minutes from time completed the rout and condemned Al Sailiya to another frustrating evening.
The defeat left Al Sailiya rooted to the bottom of the standings without a point after five consecutive losses. Al Ahli, meanwhile, climbed to sixth place with seven points.
“The team was outstanding today and really stepped up,” Sliti said after the match.
“We worked much harder over the past two weeks. Al Ahli have great players and I believe the club belongs at the top, but consistency is key. This win is a huge boost, and we must maintain this momentum.”
Mohamed Surag celebrates after scoring a goal for Al Shahania.
At Khalifa International Stadium, Al Shahania and Lusail were involved in a cagey first half, with Jawad El Jemili going close for Al Shahania with an angled effort that missed the target.
El Jemili, however, played a decisive role in the second half, crafting the move that broke the deadlock on the counterattack. After Lusail’s corner was cleared, he collected the ball and drove forward before setting up Surag, who raced down the right to score the winner.
Lusail pushed for an equaliser and appealed for a penalty following an apparent handball inside the Al Shahania box, but the referee turned down their appeal.
As Lusail stepped up the pressure, Al Shahania goalkeeper Shehab Ellethy produced several important saves to keep his side in front. Lusail came agonisingly close to equalising in the 84th minute when Ali Nemati’s header struck the crossbar, but Al Shahania held on for the win.
The victory lifted Al Shahania to seventh place with seven points, while Lusail slipped to eighth on five points.
“It was an important game and these three points are very crucial for them. It was a tough match and Lusail performed very well. They are a difficult team,” Al Shahania captain Marc Muniesa said after the win.
“We will now face Arabia, who have been exceptional, beating Al Sadd (on Friday). We will go all out and our aim will be to win the match.”
