Al Shamal's Riyad Mahrez (right) in action in his debut QSL match. PIC: AlkassTVSports
Doha, Qatar: Lusail continued their promising debut season in the Qatar Stars League with a goalless draw against Al Shamal at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday, while Joselu scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn Al Sailiya their first point of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Qatar SC.
Al Shamal’s new signing Riyad Mahrez was presented to the fans before the match, with the Algerian star starting on the bench before coming on in the 64th minute.
Al Shamal started brightly, with Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan forcing an early save in the second minute before Muwafaq Awad shot wide in the 19th. Lusail responded through Hamed Reda, whose effort from Rodrigo Moreno’s pass was brilliantly saved by Al Shamal goalkeeper Babacar Seck.
Awad tested Lusail’s goalkeeper again after the break, while Mahrez set up Wesley Saeed for an opportunity that Fahad Waad failed to convert in the 72nd minute.
Al Shamal moved to nine points in fifth place, with Lusail on six points in ninth.
Earlier, at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Qatar SC looked set for victory after Niall Mason headed home Said Mohamed Brahmi’s free-kick in the 34th minute before Joao Pedro doubled the lead with a superb set-piece strike from 10 yards outside the box.
Younes Belhanda pulled one back for Al Sailiya with a free-kick in the 82nd minute before Joselu, who joined from
Al Gharafa last week, struck from close range in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Qatar SC goalkeeper Ali Nader failed to deal with a free-kick from the left.
The draw gave bottom-placed Al Sailiya their first point after five successive defeats. Qatar SC moved to three points in 11th place, one behind
Al Gharafa.
Al Sadd, Al Rayyan in race for top spot
Al Sadd and Al Rayyan face crucial tests today as the race for the summit intensifies, with the defending champions taking on Al Duhail in one of the league’s most anticipated fixtures and leaders Al Rayyan visiting Al Gharafa.
Al Rayyan lead the standings with 13 points, one ahead of Al Sadd, who slipped to second after their 3-2 defeat to Al Arabi ended their winning streak.
Al Sadd will aim to return to winning ways and reclaim top spot, while Al Rayyan look to consolidate their lead with another victory.
Al Sadd’s clash with Al Duhail at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium promises to be a fiercely contested clash.
“It will be a very tough game between two good teams, and I expect an exciting and entertaining match,” Al Sadd coach Razvan Lucescu said.
“We must give everything to win and return to winning ways. Full concentration, fighting for every ball and being clinical in front of goal will be crucial.”
Al Duhail, third with nine points, head into the match after a 4-0 win over Al Shamal and will look to close the gap on the leaders.
Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi said his team’s recent results had restored confidence but stressed the need to remain focused against a strong opponent.
“The match against Al Sadd is a derby that is always intense and highly competitive,” he said.
“Our recent positive results have boosted the players’ confidence, but we must maintain our focus against a strong side like Al Sadd.”
Al Rayyan, meanwhile, face an important challenge against Al Gharafa, who sit 10th with four points and are desperate to revive their campaign.
“Tomorrow’s match will be very difficult. We know Al Gharafa are a very good team, but we want to win again,”
Al Rayyan coach Vicente Moreno said ahead of the match at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins acknowledged Al Rayyan’s strength but backed his players to respond.
“Al Rayyan have started the season very well and have a balanced squad. These matches are often decided by small details, so we must avoid mistakes and make the most of our strengths,” he said.
