Ten-man Al Sadd crush Al Gharafa 5-1

Doha: Reigning champions Al Sadd yesterday trounced Al Gharafa 5-1 to stay unbeaten in 42 games – 37 victories and five draws – a new record at the QNB Stars League (QSL).    

The Wolves, who were reduced to 10 men in 13th minute of the match, were in amazing form in their Round 17 tie on their home turf as they scored two goals in the first half, adding another three in the second to surpass Al Duhail’s unbeaten record of 41 matches during the 23.2.2017 - 11.12.2018 period.     

Al Sadd went ahead soon after the kick off through a second minute goal by seasoned Abdelkarim Hassan before experienced Rodrigo Tabata doubled the lead in 25th minute. Spaniard Santi Cazorla extended the lead by scoring in the 74th minute. 

Substitute Andre Ayew, who scored two stoppage time goals (90+4 penalty and 90+5 minutes), wrapped up the big victory after Gabriel Perez pulled one back for Al Gharafa with a strike in the 76th minute.

After another emphatic win this season, Al Sadd raised their points tally to 43 points at the top of standings with two postponed matches, against Qatar SC and Al Rayyan, in hand. Al Gharafa stood on 26 points following their seventh defeat.

The only big thing that went against Al Sadd on their record-breaking day was a red card to star Akram Afif, who was sent off for fouling Al Gharafa defender Saeed Al Hajj. 

However, even the send-off for Afif, who is also a Qatar national team star, did not derail their path and The Wolves stayed all focused in the race to clinch the coveted league shield.

Hassan started it as early as the second minute and Ayew, who came off the bench later on, finished off the scoring process late into the game, as Al Gharafa goalkeeper Yousef Hassan had a harrowing time.

Meanwhile, later at the Al Sadd Stadium, Michael Olunga’s brace helped dominant Al Duhail overpower Al Rayyan 4-0 in their Round 17 clash. 

The win strengthened Al Duhail’s second position with 36 points as they went five points clear of third-placed Al Wakrah. 

After Nam Tae-hee opened the scoring for The Red Knights in 21st minute, Olunga fired goals in 41st and 53rd minute before Mohammed Musa sealed the victory with a strike in 78th minute. 

Laurent Blanc-coached Al Rayyan’s miseries continue as they slipped to ninth position with just 17 points. 

In other match yesterday, ten-man Al Wakrah edged Al Sailiya 2-1 at the Al Ahli Stadium. 

Gelson Dala gave Al Wakrah lead in 33rd minute, with Mohamed Benyettou doubling the advantage two minutes later. 

Al Wakrah suffered setback when Mohammed Emad was sent off two minutes before half-time.  Al Sailiya immediately took the advantage pulling one back through a penalty strike by Driss Fettouhi in 45+2 minutes.

However, they failed to find the equaliser in the second session. Al Wakrah are now five points ahead of Al Gharafa.