DOHA: Defending champions Al Sadd suffered their first defeat of the season after losing 1-0 against Eljaish in the Qatar Stars League yesterday.
Muhammed Muntari (15) scored what proved to be the winner with a powerful header in the far post.
Elsewhere, Al Rayyan registered their first win over the season when the Sheikh Jassim Cup winners thrashed Al Khor 4-0, courtesy of goals from Jarralah Al Marri (46), Rodrigo Tabata (50), Daniel Gouma (86) and Mohammed Salah (90+6).
Goals from Ahmad Rahmatallah (40) and Ali Hussein Irhaima (59) helped Al Wakra win 2-1 despite Umm Salal’s Sasa Ognenovski’s (60) effort.
Qatar SC beat Al Kharaitiyat 1-0 thanks to a goal from Moussa Al Allaq (83).
The Eljaish and Al Sadd match was wide open with both teams creating chances.
Muntari gave Eljaish the lead when he reacted first to direct his header to give his side the lead.
Al Sadd, who came into this match with two narrow victories, came close to equalising most notably through Qatari striker Ibrahim Khalfan.
But Eljaish, coached by Razvan Lucescu, despite losing the overall possession in the match, held their nerve for the three points, having missed a host of opportunities in front of goal to increase their lead.
In today’s matches, Al Gharafa, coached by Brazilian legend Zico will face Al Sailiyah at home at 8.30pm.
Two-time QSL champions Lekhwiya, coached by Belgium’s Eric Gerets, will be aiming to register their first win of the season when they face Al Arabi at home at the same time.
In the earlier kick-off at 6.15pm, Muaither play Al Ahli.
THE PENINSULA
