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Al Gharafa’s Ibrahim Al Ghanim (in yellow) and Ismael Mardelli of Umm Salal vie for the ball during their Qatar Stars League (QSL) match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday.
PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT
DOHA: A hat-trick by Nene inspired Al Gharafa to a crushing 6-2 win over bottom side Umm Salal, and move up to fifth position in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), yesterday.
The former PSG striker completed his hat-trick two minutes from time, courtesy of a penalty, having struck the net in the 1st and 79th minute.
Lisandro Lopez (5), Miku (17) and Lawrence Quaye (64) also scored for the home side.
The visitors’ goals came from Ahmad Al Sayyid (16) and captain Othman El Assas (62).
In other results yesterday, Yahia Kebe (30) and Jesse John (66) helped Al Kharaitiyat beat Muaither 2-1. Fozil Musaev (14) scored for Muaither, but wasn’t enough to claim any points.
A brace from Julio Cesar (12, 35) wasn’t enough for his side Al Khor to claim all three points after being held to a 2-2 draw against Al Wakra.
Anwar Diba (46) and Jubiyare (55) scored for Al Wakra.
Coach Zico, didn’t have to wait long to see his side score against Umm Salal.
After being 1-0 up in the first minute, former Lyon striker Lopez doubled the hosts’ lead when he volleyed Nene’s cross into the roof of the net.
The visitors pulled one back through a wonderful long-range effort by Al Sayyid, which gave Umm Salal hope of getting something from the match.
However, their chances got even more difficult after conceding a goal merely a minute after Al Sayyid’s goal.
Poor defending allowed Miku to restore the two-goal cushion for a 3-1 scoreline at half-time.
Zico’s side continued to dominate but El Assas reduced the deficit with a penalty.
A well-taken free-kick by Lawrence Quaye made it 4-2 to Al Gharafa, and the hosts were soon 5-2 up through Nene. Two minutes from time, the Brazilian struck again to complete his hat-trick.
After the match, Quaye was delighted with the team’s performance yesterday.
Speaking to Al Kass, Quaye said: “The match wasn’t easy at all. We were more determined and started the match very
well.”
He added: “This is my third game and was I happy to score. I hope we can continue with this run.” THE PENINSULA
