Al Ahli’s Omid Amir Ebrahimi (centre) controls the ball during the QNB Stars League match against Al Kharaitiyat at the Al Khor Stadium, yesterday. Al Ahli won 2-1.
Doha: A last gasp strike from Ahmed Suhail and a goal from Juan Carlos secured a thrilling 2-1 win for Al Ahli in their QNB Stars League (QSL) Round-16 match against Al Kharaitiyat at the Al Khor Stadium yesterday.
Carlos scored in the 29th minute as Suhail netted the winner in the 90th minute to earn full three points for Al Ahli who are just one point behind the third placed former champions Al Rayyan.
Al Kharaitiyat’s goal was scored by Valentin Lazar in the 68th minute.
As early as the second minute, Mohsine Moutaouali could have secured them the lead, but he was unable to convert Ali Al Yazeedi’s cross.
Minutes later, it was Jonathan Porras was the guilty party as his header from close somehow missed the target. With the pressure mounting on the home side, Al Ahli took the lead when Chancellor rose highest to convert a header beyond the reach of the opposition goalkeeper.
Al Kharaitiyat grew into the game, but Muhammad Raza was unfortunate with two fantastic chances either side of the break before Al Ahli’s Jonathan mistimed his shot from close range.
Midway through the second half and Al Kharaitiyat got a much-deserved equaliser as they countered Al Ahli. Ahmad Khaleel had soldiered down the right flank before whipping in a beautiful cross for Lazar to steer home with his head.
They then looked to have stolen the points when a firm header was kept out by Ivanildo Rodrigues in the 89th minute. This save was to be crucial as a stoppage-time corner was whipped in from the left and Suhail outjumped his marker to secure three vital points for his side.
In the other match, Qatar SC were held to a goalless draw by promoted side Al Shahania at the Qatar SC Stadium. There were very few clear-cut chances throughout the match as both teams kept it tight without giving too much away.
The best chances for either side both came in the first half, with Abdel Mitwali seeing his scorching free-kick being tipped over.
Both teams tried hard to make a breakthrough as the match entered the final minutes, but a goal did not come.
Al Shahania, under Spaniard Jose Murcia, moved to 17 points and Qatar SC, coached by Argentinian Sergio Batista, 16 points.
