Al Arabi’s Issa Laye (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Al Sailiya.
DOHA: Al Arabi climbed to third in the Qatar Stars League standings after beating Al Sailiya 2-0 at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.
Younes Hussein scored the winner as Al Ahli edged 10-man Qatar SC 1-0 in the other match.
After draws in their opening two matches, Al Arabi produced an impressive display to move to five points, one behind leaders Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, who face Al Gharafa and Al Duhail respectively tomorrow.
Youssef Snana put Al Arabi ahead in the 45th minute with a fine header from a corner.
Al Sailiya pushed for an equaliser after the break, with Ali Olwan testing Al Arabi goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail with a long-range effort. Al Hail made a good save to deny him.
Kellian van der Kaap then hit the bar from another corner as Al Sailiya continued to push for a goal.
Issa Laye sealed the victory with a spectacular header as Al Sailiya remained without a point after three matches.
At Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar SC were reduced to 10 men in 12th minute when Eisa Palangi was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Ahmed Reyed Mawla.
Al Ahli had two goals ruled out for offside, with Qatar SC holding firm in defence as the first half ended goalless.
Qatar SC goalkeeper Ali Nader denied Ismail Mohamad, who later hit the bar in the second half.
Al Ahli finally found the breakthrough when Julian Draxler sent a looping cross towards Driss Fettouhi. His header ricocheted off the bar and Hussein was on hand to head home from close range.
The win lifted Al Ahli to sixth with four points, while Qatar SC remained 11th with one point.
Lusail eye first QSL win against Al Wakrah
Lusail and Al Wakrah will both chase their first victory of the season when they meet in the Qatar Stars League Week 3 clash at Lusail Stadium today.
Both teams have one point from their opening two matches, with Lusail sitting ninth and Al Wakrah eighth on the standings. The match kicks off at 7:15pm.
Newcomers Lusail have made an encouraging start to life in the top flight despite still waiting for their first win. They put up a spirited performance against Al Rayyan in their opening match before suffering a narrow defeat, then showed their attacking strength in a 3-3 draw with Al Ahli.
Coach Emanuel Mesquita wants his side to build on that performance against Al Wakrah.
“Our performance in the last match against Al Ahli gives us the confidence to continue working hard and fighting in every game,” Mesquita said.
“We hope to be ready against Al Wakrah and achieve a positive result.”
Mesquita expects a tough challenge from Al Wakrah, who lost to Al Rayyan in their previous outing.
“Al Wakrah is a strong team with considerable experience. Their recent loss to Al Rayyan will give them extra motivation to bounce back against Lusail, but we are prepared for all scenarios,” he said.
Al Wakrah coach Jose Luis Sierra was also confident after his team’s performance against Al Rayyan despite the defeat.
“Regardless of the opponent, I think my team is in good shape,” Sierra said.
“If we maintain this level and play with the same performance, I think we have a real chance to achieve victory over Lusail and collect the three points.”
Today’s first match will be played between Al Shamal and Al Shanania at Al Bayt Stadium (5pm). Al Shamal are on four points with Al Shahania on three points.
