Defending champions Al Sadd yesterday made a fightback to claim their second successive victory at the QNB Stars League (QSL), defeating Qatar SC 3-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium (KIS).
Also, Al Duhail earned full points after edging Al Arabi 2-1 while Al Sailiya overcame spirited Al Shamal 3-2 to clinch their first win of the season. In yesterday’s first match, Sebastian Soria handed Qatar SC lead with a strike in 39th minute before Al Sadd fought back with goals from Andre Ayew (63rd minute), Guilherme Torres (78th minute) and Baghdad Bounedjah (83rd minute). ‘The Wolves’ started on a bright note with feared striker Akram Afif creating a chance in sixth minute, thwarted by defender Mohammed Waad.
Soria made it 1-0 for Qatar SC following a solo run. After receiving a long cross from the left flank by Mbenza, Soria charged towards the Al Sadd goal with Jung Woo-Young giving him hot chase. As Soria neared the goalmouth, Al Sadd keeper Meshaal Barsham stepped out to block the move, but the former lobbed the ball over his head to give his side the lead in the 39th minute.
Al Sadd produced a spectacular equaliser through Ayew, who beat two markers in front of him on the edge of the box to find the net. He unleashed a powerful left-footed drive that hit the net, with a dive from keeper Al Hail going in vain. Al Sadd grabbed the lead in a similar fashion when an unmarked Torres – after a short cross from Afif - positioned himself on the edge of the box and then produced a powerful shot that sailed past to the left of the goalkeeper.
Bounedjah added the third with a snap-header from close range in the following a lob from substitute Hassan Al Haydous. Meanwhile, in the second match at KIS yesterday, Rabh Boussafi scored a second half brace to give Al Duhail their second straight victory. After a goalless first half, Boussafi netted the opener in 53rd minute before firing his second goal in 66th minute. Al Arabi got their consolation goal through Abdulqadir Illyas Bakur in fifth minute of stoppage time. Meanwhile, Al Sailiya opened their account in the new season at Al Gharafa Stadium after defeating promoted Al Shamal, who were impressive last night.
Al Shamal took through Nasser Al, who scored the opener in the seventh minute. Al Sailiya responded through Adama Diomande in 22nd minute before Baha Faisal regained lead for Al Shamal, seven minutes before half-time. Driss Fettouhi scored equaliser for Al Sailiya in 70th minute and three minutes later Mohammed Muddather scored the winner for the The Peregrines.
