Action during the Round 13 match between Al Gharafa and Al Ahli, yesterday.
Doha: QNB Stars League top-four contenders Al Gharafa were held in a goalless draw by Al Ahli in their Round 13 match as the teams shared points at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday.
The spirited fight against third placed Al Gharafa raised Al Ahli’s points tally to 13 while the Cheetahs added one points to their total which now stands at 23.
The match witnessed a series of missed opportunities from both teams, and despite many attempts to score, the two goalkeepers, Yazan Naim and Youssef Hassan, held their guard.
Al Gharafa almost scored an early goal in the 13th minute when a brilliant shot from captain Othman Al Yahri. Sofiane Hanni also took a shot at the goal after picking on a rebound, but failed to beat Al Yahri as the first half ended with a goalless tie.
The second half witnessed a goal canceled for Al Gharafa in the 56th minute after Abdalla Yousif was called off side.
The hunt for the opening gall continued as Al Gharafa taking a more attacking approach while Al Ahli relaied on rapid counter-attacks.
Hanni once again tried his luck with a header, this time going after a pass from Al Yahri, but once again Naim came to the rescue of Al Ahli.
Substitute Abdulrahman Al Harazi almost made it 1-0 in favour of Al Ahli but brilliant work from Hassan saw the ball flying over the bar to disappoint the hosts.
Earlier, Al Shamal, placed ninth in the standings, achieved a valuable 2-0 victory over bottom-placed Al Sailiya at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Colombian Jeison Medina scored both goals for the winners in the 49th and 79th minutes.
Al Shamal raised their points tally to 12 points while Al Sailiya’s balance remained at 5 after yesterday’s loss which was their 10th this season.
It was the third victory for Al Shamal.
