Al Rayyan skipper Rodrigo Tabata (centre) is challenged by Umm Salal players during their QNB Stars League match played at the Al Sadd Stadium, yesterday.
Doha: Al Rayyan and Umm Salal shared spoils in a 2-2 draw in the last fixture of the opening week of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League (QSL) at the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday.
New recruit Lee Jaeik (eighth minute) and Rodrigo Tabata (31st) scored Al Rayyan’s goals, while Umm Salal replied through Syrian Mahmoud Al Mawas (sixth and 71st minutes).
The hard-fought match, fought at a fast pace, saw both sides create opportunities galore.
Umm Salal seized early initiative after Al Mawas was on target with almost a solo effort.
Pat came Al Rayyan’s reply as Lee took advantage of a good work done by Abdelaziz Hatem, who switched from Al Gharafa this season.
After Al Mawas headed the ball against the left upright, it was Al Rayyan who surged ahead when Umm Salal goalkeeper Yazan Naim misjudged the flight of a free-kick taken by Tabata from distance.
Tabata was at it again towards the close of first half, but this time he sent his shot wide of the target.
After restart, Sebastian Soria saw his bid go in vain even as Al Rayyan tried to preserve the lead by going a bit defensive.
Umm Salal made some serious attempts at the goal and their efforts bore fruit as Al Mawas hit the ball home after latching on to a through pass.
Meanwhile, Yazan saved a shot from Al Rayyan’s Yacine Brahimi. Umm Salal had a chance to collect full points but for Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad Younis’ alertness in front of Joao Bruno’s attempt with the last kick of the game.
At the end of the first week, Al Sadd lead the points table thanks to the 4-1 win against Al Wakrah on the opening day of the league.
Al Gharafa, Al Arabi and Al Duhail are occupying the next three spots respectively after earning wins in their first round matches.
