Al Duhail's Krzysztof Piatek (left) and Almoez Ali celebrate.
Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail produced a dominant display as they thrashed Al Shamal 4-0 at Al Bayt Stadium yesterday to climb to third place in the Qatar Stars League.
Gelson Dala, who came off the bench in 54th minute, was the star with a late double as Al Wakrah fought back to stun Al Gharafa 3-2 in a see-saw contest at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Al Duhail made a strong start and took the lead in the 14th minute when Krzysztof Piatek capitalised on a mistake by Al Shamal goalkeeper Babacar Seck. Tahseen Mohammed’s cross was not held by Seck, allowing the Polish striker to slot the ball into the net with the goalkeeper off guard.
Wesley Said then tested Al Shamal with a powerful long-range effort, while Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria kept out Jeison Murillo’s header from a corner as Al Shamal looked for an equaliser.
Al Duhail missed a chance to double their lead when Ibrahima Bamba fired over from close range. Al Shamal also came close to levelling, with Mowafak Awad’s low shot from just outside the box narrowly missing the left post.
Al Duhail came out strongly after the break and doubled their advantage in the 67th minute, with Omar Sekou heading home from a precise Bamba cross.
Qatar striker Almoez Ali added a third five minutes later, scoring from close range before Mubarak Shanan completed the victory in the 90th minute with a spectacular angled shot from outside the box.
Mubarak Shanan celebrates after scoring Al Duhail's fourth goal.
The result lifted Djamel Belmadi’s side to nine points, three behind leaders Al Sadd, who face Al Arabi today, and one behind Al Rayyan, who take on Qatar SC today. Al Shamal slipped to fourth on eight points.
Later, Aissa Laidoun put Al Wakrah ahead in 38th minute, but Yacine Brahimi levelled for Al Gharafa, converting a penalty before half-time.
Ferjani Sassi headed Adam Ounas’ lob from the right flank to secure the lead for Al Gharafa three minutes after the interval.
Dala equalised for Al Wakrah in the 78th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar blocked Zouhzouh El Amine’s spot kick.
Gelson Dala scored a double for Al Wakrah.
Dala was not done as he struck again in the third minute of stoppage time to give Al Wakrah their first win of the QSL season. The win put the Blue Wave to seventh place with five points while Al Gharafa stayed ninth with four points.
Al Sadd face Al Arabi test
Defending champions Al Sadd, meanwhile, will look to strengthen their position at the top when they host Al Arabi at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium today.
Al Sadd coach Razvan Lucescu stressed the need for full concentration against an Al Arabi side he expects to fight until the final whistle.
“The match against Al Arabi will be a challenging one, as they are a team that never gives up and fights until the very last moment,” Lucescu said.
“Therefore, we need to be fully focused, think only about this game and step onto the field ready to play the way we want.”
Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra said the break had allowed his squad to work on their technical and tactical aspects. He also highlighted the need to improve their finishing while praising Al Sadd’s organisation, pressing and attacking quality.
“We have a strong squad and a competitive mindset capable of defeating any opponent,” Contra said.
Al Arabi are fifth with six points.
In another match today, second-placed Al Rayyan will take on Qatar SC at Lusail Stadium.
While Al Rayyan will be looking to move to the top, Qatar SC are eyeing points as they struggle in 11th place with only two points.
“Our match against Al Rayyan will be tough as we are facing one of the best teams in the league,” said Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez.
“We have prepared appropriately over the recent period and continue to work hard to deliver our best, ensuring the team is fully ready for this encounter.”
