Doha: Al Rayyan have won their first ten games of Qatar Stars League (QSL) season, beating the previous record set by Al Sadd (9 consecutive games) to steal the show again last week.
Al Sadd also had a ten-game winning streak, but no team has managed to win all tens games right from the very start of the season (since the first edition of the QSL in 2008).
Fossati’s men did it in style as they had beating their toughest opponents yet (El Jaish), as they eventually ran out 2-1 winners in a thrilling game.
Apart from the Lions’ milestone, Round 10 of the QSL also saw other intriguing moments and some major changes within teams.
The Peninsula takes a look on the highlights.
Al Sadd part ways with Ammota
Hussein Ammota who has coached Al Sadd since 2012 oversaw his last game in charge with a clash against Lekhwiya at home. It proved to be a night to forget for the Moroccan tactician who saw his side lose 4-2 to the defending champions. The Wolves Coach had a relatively long run in the job, overseeing them for almost four years.
Al Arabi prevail in derby
One of the oldest fixtures in Qatari football took place in Round 10 of the QSL as Al Arabi took on Al Ahli at home. The match was a close affair as both teams looked to be evenly matched but a penalty in the 28th minute separated the two teams. The goal was scored by Brazilian striker Paulinho.
Al Khor bag second win
Al Khor has struggled this season but finally got their second win. Admittedly though, their opposition was Mesaimeer in Round 10, who themselves have failed to adapt to the QSL.
The Knights ran out 2-1 winners with goals coming from the Brazilian duo of Cesar and Madson in the second half.
Kharaitiyat cause upset
Al Gharafa continues to struggle as yet again their stop-start season was given another blow when Kharaitiyat took victory in Round 10 of the QSL.
The Thunders surprised everyone as they won comfortably 2-0 with goals coming in either half.
It seems that the premature dismissal of Chamusca hasn’t solved Gharafa’s problems yet.
Mendez suffers injury
El Jaish team doctors have said that defender Lucas Mendez is now in stable condition after a heavy collision with fellow teammate - keeper Khalifa Abu Bakr during their Round 10 fixture against Al Rayyan.
Mendez had to be substituted before the end of the first half as Mohamed Al Jabri took his position for the remainder of the match. Lucas was taken to Hamad Hospital’s accident and emergency for further examinations which revealed a fracture in his cheek bone.
The defender will now require at least three weeks of treatment.
El Jaish is in 2nd place with 23 points behind Al Rayyan. They will play their next match on Saturday.
THE PENINSULA
