Umm Salal players celebrate after Aymen Hussein scored their second goal against Al Shamal, yesterday.
Doha: Aymen Hussein struck a brace as in-form Umm Salal yesterday produced a ruthless show to trounce Al Shamal 6-0 in Round 16 of the QNB Stars League (QSL) at Qatar SC Stadium.
Also yesterday, Al Gharafa edged Qatar SC 3-2 in a thrilling match while former champions Al Rayyan and Al Ahli shared points after a 1-1 draw.
It was another remarkable performance from Umm Salal, who now have won six games in previous eight rounds.
The Orange Fortress went ahead early in the match, with Aymen Abdennour netting the ball in fourth minute before Hussein completed his brace with strikes in 25th and 61st minutes.
Isael da Silva (71’), Yaseen Al Bakhit (75’) and Omar Yahya (86’) completed the dominant win for Umm Salal, who moved to 25 points on fifth position.
Meanwhile, Homam Ahmed was the star for Al Gharafa, firing a winner in 90th minute to complete his double as the Cheetahs leapfrogged to fourth spot with 26 points after winning the pulsating tie.
Ahmed had earlier put Al Gharafa in lead with a strike in 48th minute after goalless first half at Qatar SC Stadium.
Qatar SC fought back and took a 2-1 lead after goals from Omar Al Emadi (51’) and Anthony Okpotu (64’) before Cheick Diabate (68’) leveled the score for Al Gharafa.
Al Al Ahli Stadium, Yacine Brahimi’s strike in 61st minute ensured a point for Al Rayyan against Al Ahli, who took lead with a 22nd minute goal by Jose Angel.
Seventh-placed Al Rayyan moved to 17 points along with Al Ahli, and are ahead of the Brigadiers in the QSL standings on basis of goal difference.
We must continue winning show: Gracia
Meanwhile, coach Javi Gracia has warned Al Sadd of complacency after his side gained a comfortable position on top of the standings following a win on Saturday.
The Wolves after a 4-2 victory over Al Arabi moved to 37 points - five ahead of second-placed Al Duhail – and have also played three games less than their closest rivals.
Gracia said Al Sadd are in a comfortable position to defend their title successfully but the players must remain focused to achieve the task.
“The team’s position is good at the top, but many important matches await us, and we do not care at the moment about the difference in points. We must maintain the same level and improve from one match to another,” said Al Sadd coach.
“I’m happy to win this game [against Al Arabi]. Derby matches are always different and special. We started the match well and scored an early goal. Then, the match became even between the two teams,” he added.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham congratulated the team’s players and fans after winning against Al Arabi.
“I congratulate the fans and players for the win. The match was not easy, as is the case in derby matches, and we thank God for this four goal victory, which extends our lead,” said Barsham.
“Yes, we are in the lead, with a good gap, and we have 3 games that are postponed, but nothing is impossible in football. We must continue to work and put in effort in training and during matches to continue winning,” he added.
