Al Sadd's Akram Afif (centre) wearing a jersey that reads 'Thank You' in honour of the efforts of healthcare workers and all those combating the pandemic during their QNB Stars league match against Al Khor on Saturday.
Doha: Football action returned to Qatar after a four-month break which was caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as the 2019-20 season of the QNB Stars League (QSL) resumed last weekend.
Al Duhail maintained the lead despite a minor setback following their one-all draw with Umm Salal as Round 18 of the League was dedicated to frontline workers.
In appreciation and gratitude for the great efforts of healthcare workers and all those combating the pandemic and as a thank-you message from the QSL and clubs, a special logo was placed on all players’ jerseys.
Before the week’s opening match between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi, a doctor performed the honorary kick-off, while Al Sadd players, ahead of their game against Al Khor, came out in health sector uniform in a show of tribute to the medical staff.
The tournament, which was stopped on March 7, resumed in accordance with the precautionary measures as per the general plan and protocol developed by the QSL in co-operation with Ministry of Public Health.
Week 18 matches were played on July 24, 25, and 26, with two games on each day. A total of 13 goals were scored, while two fixtures ended in draws.
Despite the long break and unusual preparatory stages, the teams put up spirited fights. All positions in the standings remained the same but for Al Khor and Umm Salal swapping 10th and 11th spots after the latter held leaders Al Duhail to a 1-1 draw.
Thus, the title race heated up as a result of Al Duhail dropping points.
Al Duhail is on 43 points, but Al Rayyan closed the gap with them as The Lions moved to 41 following their come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Qatar SC, who stayed in ninth position with 17 points.
Al Sadd stayed third and still in contention for the title with a 2-1 win over Al Khor, a repeat of the result of their first-leg match. The reigning champions now have 35 points.
The defeat made Al Khor (14 points) slip to 11th, whereas Umm Salal, having 15 points, helped themselves in the battle to avoid relegation.
Al Gharafa remained fourth in the table and moved on to 31 points with a 1-0 verdict against Al Arabi, who stood on 24 points.
Al Shahania, staring at relegation as the basement side, did well in beating Al Ahli to earn three crucial points.
Al Shahania, under Nabil Anwar who was assistant to recently-departed Spanish coach Jose Murcia, are on 13 points, one point behind 11th-placed Al Khor, while Al Ahli stayed eighth with 19 points.
Al Wakrah and Al Sailiya played out a goalless draw to remain seventh and sixth respectively with 20 and 24 points.
The talk of the week was Barcelona great and Al Sadd's coach Xavi being tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of their match against Al Khor.
“A few days ago, following the QSL protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID-19 test. Fortunately, I’m feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all-clear. When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work," Xavi told Al Sadd's web site.
There was one notable injury during the weekend, Al Duhail's defender Ahmed Yasser who faced and an unfortunate incident during their match against Umm Salal.
The injury will keep him away from the stadiums for 28 days, which means that he will be away from the team in the upcoming matches, the club announced.
