Al Gharafa players presenting a flower bouquet to the newly crowned AFC Player of the Year, Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim Hassan prior to the kickoff of yesterday’s match.
An own goal late in the second half yesterday robbed Al Duhail of a point against Al Rayyan as both sides produced an entertaining 2-2 draw.
A double Youssef El Arabi (20 and 52) hinted at an Al Duhail win but Lucca Borges (41) and an own goal by Mohammed Musa saw both teams sharing points at the Al Gharafa Stadium.
In the 9th minute, El Arabi produced a towering jump over Al Rayyan defenders but his header - on a cross from Musa - sailed narrowly above the crossbar.
Four minutes later, U-23 striker Almoez Ali produced a sliding deflection from close range but his shot missed the target. A couple of minutes later, El Arabi - with only Fahad Younes to beat - smashed the ball straight into the legs of Al Rayyan keeper.
After the initial burst of sustained attacks, Al Duhail opened the scoring through their reliable force El Arabi who volleyed home on a loopy cross from Paulo Edmilson. It was El Arabi’s 16th goal of the season as points leaders celebrated the spectacular goal.
Barely a minute later, tireless El Arabi flicked a ball from close range but his shot was smartly deflected by keeper Younes.
In the 41st minute, the Brazilian, Lucaa produced the equaliser for Al Rayyan from close range. In the 52nd minute, El Arabi deflected from close range for his side’s second goal.
Own goal by Al Duhail’s Musa in the 83rd minute saw both sides sharing points.
Meanwhile, Al Shahaniya yesterday shared a point against Al Khor in a 1-1 draw at Grand Hamad Stadium.
Vazquez Vlaudio (47) opened the scoring for Al Shahaniya. Al Khor’s Hilal Al Saeed scored the equliser in the 68th minute.
