Al Sadd's captain Hassan Al Haydos congratulates Baghdad Bounedjah after the Algerian scored his second goal yesterday.
Doha: Al Sadd yesterday stormed to a commanding 4-1 victory over Al Ahli to retain top spot at the QNB Stars League (QSL).
It was another dominant display by The Wolves as they achieved their eighth successive win in the season after staying unbeaten throughout the last season.
However, Al Duhail, who suffered a shock defeat to Al Wakrah last week, resumed their pursuit of Al Sadd, edging Qatar SC 2-1 at Al Gharafa Stadium in yesterday’s other match. The Red Knights (21 points) are now three points behind the leaders.
Al Sadd looked completely in control against Al Ahli in yesterday’s second match at Al Gharafa and could have struck more goals against Al Ahli as they took 10 shots on the target.
Baghdad Bounedjah was again the star for the Amir Cup champions, scoring a goal in 54th minute before converting a penalty, five minutes before time.
Captain Hassan Al Haydos opened the scoring with a strike in 24th minute while Andre Ayew also put his name on the score sheet with a goal in a 79th minute penalty.
Al Ahli, who had just 30 percent of ball possession in the match last night, scored their only goal through Patrick Friday’s penalty in 68th minute.
Earlier at the Al Gharafa Stadium, Qatar SC were quick off the blocks and opened the scoring through Javi Martnez in the 15th minute.
Al Duhail struck back through Nam Tae-Hee (38th minute) before Michael Olunga’s 46th minute goal sealed the victory.
Qatar national team coach Felix Sanchez watched the match from the stands.
Rodriguez sent off in Al Rayyan defeat
Meanwhile, Colombian star James Rodriguez was sent off in ninth minute of injury time as Al Arabi defeated Al Rayyan 2-1 in a thriller at their home turf.
Al Arabi built a two-goal lead over Al Rayyan after goals from Farshid Esmaeili (48th minute) and Abdeirahman Moustafa (54th minute) before Yohan Boli’s 69th minute strike heat up the clash.
Al Rayyan dominated ball possession and created chances but Al Arabi held their nerves to hold ‘The Lions’ and bagged their fifth victory. Now the Dream Team is third in the standings with 16 points. Rodriguez’s red card added to Al Rayan’s woes as the Laurent Blanc-coached side suffered their third defeat from eight games.
Also yesterday, Al Shamal thumped Al Khor 4-0 for their second win of the season. Jeison Medina (36, 54 minutes) and Baha Faisal (48, 58 minutes) scored a brace apiece in their victory at yesterday’s first match at Al Arabi Stadium. Following the win, promoted Al Shamal climbed to 7th in the standings with 7 points.
Al Sailiya will take on Umm Salal while Al Gharafa will meet Al Wakrah in today’s matches.
