Al Sadd players and officials celebrate with the Falcon Shield after being crowned the QNB Stars League champions.
Doha: Al Sadd were crowned the QNB Stars League (QSL) 2021-2022 champions following their 1-1 draw against Al Duhail at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, yesterday.
Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani handed the Falcon Shield to captain Hassan Al Haydos and goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb on their home turf as players, team officials and fans erupted in joy.
Al Sadd sealed their second successive title in the previous round when they crushed Al Ahli 8-2. The Wolves continued to dominate the season and extended their unbeaten streak to a record-extending 45 unbeaten QSL games after draw against Al Duhail.
It is Al Sadd’s 16th QSL crown and 77th overall title. They also remained unbeaten in the last season under former coach Xavi Hernandez.
However, second-placed Al Duhail gave them a scare yesterday after taking a lead through Edmilson Junior’s 36th penalty.
Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani presents the Falcon Shield to Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos and goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.
Al Sadd, coached by Javi Gracia, made several attempts for an equaliser and finally got a goal through striker Akram Afif in the 59th minute.
Al Sadd’s Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah was delighted after laying his hands on Falcon Shield.
“The joy today is indescribable. I was hoping to score today but that did not happen. We still have matches in the Amir Cup and the Champions League. I would like to dedicate the title to my wife, my family and the fans who always stood by us,” he said.
“I am happy at Al Sadd, especially as I am on the verge of the World Cup with the Algerian national team, God willing, in Qatar," Bounedjah added
Also yesterday at Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, bottom side Al Sailiya kept their hopes alive to avoid a wooden spoon after a 1-1 draw against Qatar SC.
They took a lead after a goal from Driss Fettouhi in the 21st minute while Javi Martinez leveled the score with a spot kick in 88th minute. Al Sailiya, with two 12 points, trail 11-placed Al Khor by just one point.
Earlier at the same venue, Al Shamal defeated Al Ahli 3-0 in their Round 20 match.
Mohammed El Sayed (10th minute), Ali Alwan (48th minute) and substitute Fahad Waad (83rd minute) scored the goals as Al Shamal recorded their second successive victory, having beaten Al Khor 1-0 in the previous round.
Al Shamal took their points tally to 19 with their fifth victory while Al Ahli remained on 23 points after their seventh loss in this season's league.
