Doha:Al Sadd need just one point to clinch the Qatar Stars League championship.
A second half goal from Spanish striker and captain Raul restored their five-point lead over current title-holders Lekhwiya in their 1-0 win over Al Gharafa at al Sadd Stadium here yesterday.
In the same match former Liverpool star Harry Kewell made his debut for Gharafa, it was former Real Madrid star Raul who took Sadd to the brink of winning the league.
Hussein Amotta’s side could now clinch the title in next weekend’s match with Al Kharaitiyat.
Incredibly, Sadd could have gone behind in this match with less than one minute on the clock. Djibril Cisse had the chance to score after just 26 seconds when he capitalized on a mistake from Jung Soo Lee.
The striker charged into the box but his shot was straight at keeper Saad Abdulla Al Sheeb.
Five minutes later Sadd almost charged into the lead. Younis Mahmoud chested outside the box but sent a crisp half-volley whistling over the bar.
The action in the first half was fairly frantic but with little in the way of clear opportunities created by either side.
Sadd seemed all too aware their grip on the championship depended on the result. Gharafa sensed their concern also and were fighting for every ball as they looked to have a real impact on the rest of the season.
Iraqi striker Mahmoud had the best chance of the half to score for Sadd but his close-range header was deflected wide. Both teams emerged in the second half knowing it would take more endeavor and creativity to break the deadlock.
Just like in the first half, French striker Cisse threatened early on with a shot he fizzed high over the bar.
With 54 minutes gone only the bravest of goalkeeping fr Gharafa star Qasem Burhan prevented Sadd from taking the lead.
Hasan Khalid Al Hydoos delivered a pin-point cross for Mahmoud – but Burhan snatched the ball of the striker’s toe just as he was ready to shoot.
Al Hydoos looked like he could have scored after 62 minutes but his powerful strike was charged down at the edge of the box. Just three minutes later though Sadd finally made the breakthrough they craved – and it came from none other than inspirational captain Raul. Mahmoud fed Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan as he stormed to the goal-line. He cut back for the Spanish legend who took one touch before poking the ball into the back of the net.
With just 60 seconds left, Brazilian star Alex tried to rescue an equalizer for Gharafa, but his stinging strike was palmed over the bar by keeper Saad Abdulla Al Sheeb.
That was the last major chance of the game as Sadd held on for the win which means all they need to do to be crowned champions is avoid defeat in next week’s match.
The Peninsula
