Rafa Mujica (left) celebrates after scoring Al Sadd's second goal.
DOHA: Al Sadd clinched their 10th consecutive Qatar Stars League (QSL) victory after coming from behind to defeat arch-rivals Al Duhail at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday.
Edmilson Junior fired Al Duhail ahead in the 47th minute of a gripping match, but the defending champions responded swiftly. An own goal by Youssef Ayman five minutes later restored parity before strikes from Rafa Mujica (54th) and Giovani (83rd) sealed another impressive win for Roberto Mancini’s side.
The victory moved Al Sadd to 38 points at the top of the standings, four clear of Al Gharafa, who ended a three-match losing streak with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Al Rayyan.
“We faced a strong competitor with high quality. Al Duhail is a difficult team, but we are happy with the win and the three points. We entered the match with great focus and a clear desire to achieve victory,” Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham said after the match.
“We are used to pressures and we know how to deal with them, and every match for us represents a new challenge.”
“We will quickly close the book on this match to prepare for our upcoming match in the AFC Champions League Elite [on Tuesday]. I urge our fans to continue their support and encouragement in the upcoming match against Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League.”
Yesterday’s clash began at a high tempo, with Al Duhail creating the early chances. Adil Boulbina tested Barsham from a tight angle, while Ayman headed wide from a corner. Krzysztof Piatek and Ibrahima Bamba also went close as Al Duhail maintained attacking pressure. At the other end, Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria denied Mujica following good work by Akram Afif and later kept out efforts from Giovani and Afif to ensure the first half ended goalless.
Al Duhail broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Edmilson slotted into the left corner from the right side of the box, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Boualem Khouki.
However, Al Sadd responded almost immediately as Ayman inadvertently turned Afif’s cross into his own net. The Wolves then took control, with Mujica tapping home from close range after a delivery from Paulo Otavio.
Giovani put the result beyond doubt in the 83rd minute, finishing from Afif’s assist to extend Al Sadd’s winning run as Al Duhail stayed in eighth place with 21 points.
Al Gharafa earn hard-fought win over Al Rayyan
At Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Rodrigo gave Al Rayyan a fourth-minute lead, diving to connect with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s pass.
Alvaro Djalo had an equaliser ruled out for offside before Al Gharafa mounted a second-half comeback. Ferjani Sassi levelled in the 57th minute, finishing from close range after Djalo’s cross.
Joselu then set up Amro Surag to put Al Gharafa ahead, before Surag returned the favour with a through ball that allowed Joselu to score from just outside the box with six minutes remaining.
Roger Guedes reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Sassi fouled Mohamed Surag, setting up tense final moments.
Al Gharafa were reduced to 10 men when Saifeldeen Fadlalla was sent off for violent conduct, but the Cheetahs held on to secure a crucial victory. Fourth-placed Al Rayyan remain on 24 points.
