Mohamed Benyettou celebrates after scoring Al Wakrah's second goal against Al Arabi.
Doha: Aymen Hussein yesterday struck a brace as Umm Salal edged Al Rayyan 3-2 in a thrilling Round 12 tie of the QNB Stars League (QSL) at Al Gharafa Stadium.
Also yesterday, Al Wakrah registered a 2-1 win over Al Arabi while a defiant Al Khor held second-placed Al Duhail to a 1-1 draw.
It was fourth consecutive victory for sixth-placed Umm Salal, who moved to 18 points after a hard-fought win over Laurent Blanc-coached side. Al Rayyan, who remained 8th with 12 points after the loss, had a better ball possession but Umm Salal availed their chances well to bag full points.
The Orange Fortress got the lead through Isael de Silva Barbosa, who struck in 18th minute, with Ahmed Yasser cancelling the lead for Al Rayyan, eight minutes later. Hussein then struck goals in 35 and 66 minutes to double the advantage for Umm Salal.
Al Rayyan were only able to cut the lead when Ali Malolah scored in 77th minute but an equaliser eluded them despite many attempts.
Meanwhile, Al Wakrah recorded a crucial victory over fourth-placed Al Arabi after early goals from Gelson Dala (7th minute) and Mohamed Benyettou (9th minute).
Al Arabi could only earn a consolation goal when Abdulgadir Illyas scored in fifth minute of stoppage time.
Al Wakrah – on the fifth spot – are trailing Al Arabi by just one point as they moved to 19 points after claiming maximum points.
Elsewhere, Nam Tae-Hee scored for Al Duhail in the seventh minute, a lead that was nullified by Al Khor through Ismail Haddad in the 32nd minute at Al Arabi Stadium.
Title contenders Al Duhail raised their tally to 26 points and Al Khor eight points.
Al Duhail imposed their supremacy from the beginning of the match and had several chances, until South Korean Nam found the mark.
Al Khor managed to equalise after the half-hour mark through Moroccan Haddad, who took advantage of weakness in the rival defence.
The second half witnessed great excitement, as Al Duhail tried to progress with goals.
Ferjani Sassi once and Olunga twice were thwarted by Al Khor goalkeeper Baba Djibril.
Al Duhail kept up the pressure, while Al Khor relied more on counter-attacks. However, the stalemate continued.
