Doha: The QNB Stars League’s (QSL)’s Round 15 earlier this week saw thrilling action with Al Arabi seen as biggest gainers.
Coached by Younes Ali (pictured), Al Arabi claimed their third victory in a row, to narrow the difference with leaders Al Duhail to one point. Al Duhail and Al Arabi are now on 32 and 31 points respectively.
Qatar SC advanced one place from fourth to third with 23 points following the loss of reigning champions Al Sadd, who slipped to fourth place with 22 points, to Al Ahli, who progressed from seventh to sixth place with 20 points. Al Wakrah fell to seventh spot from sixth with 19 points.
Al Sailiya and Umm Salal continued to be in 11th and 12th position respectively, with nine points each. Al Duhail’s match against Al Rayyan was postponed due to their AFC Champions League match and Al Arabi also benefited after their competitors Al Sadd and Qatar SC dropped points.
In the first match, Al Gharafa and Al Shamal fought hard and the former had the last laugh with a 3-2 margin. Ahmed Alaaeldin shone for The Cheetahs with two goals.
Al Gharafa raised their tally to 22 points, the same as Al Sadd but were placed behind (fifth) on goal difference, while Al Shamal stood in 10th place with 10 points.
Al Ahli fought back from a goal down to snatch a valuable victory at the expense of Al Sadd, thanks to a double from Oumar Sekou.
Al Arabi succeeded in making their fans happy again through an important victory over a determined Al Markhiya with a 2-0 margin.
In the fourth match, Al Sailiya managed to collect a valuable point by holding Qatar SC to a 1-1 draw.
Although Qatar SC advanced through Nasir Peer’s goal in the fifth minute of first-half injury time, Sergio Carlos Strandberg equalized for The Peregrines by converting a penalty in the 78th minute.
Qatar SC and Al Sailiya (11th position) now have 23 and nine points respectively. The last game saw Umm Salal and Al Wakrah fight it out, but play out a goalless draw.
