Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail staged an impressive comeback to defeat Al Gharafa 2-1 in the Qatar Stars League at Thani bin Jassim Stadium yesterday.
The victory lifted The Red Knights temporarily to the top of the standings with 21 points, while Al Gharafa remained on nine points.
The Cheetahs made a promising start and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Florinel Coman, putting Al Duhail on the back foot.
The visitors went into half-time trailing by a goal but returned with renewed determination after the break. Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek brought Al Duhail level before Boubakary Soumare scored the winner in the 63rd minute to complete the comeback.
The victory strengthened Al Duhail’s position in the title race, while Al Gharafa were left disappointed after surrendering their lead.
Earlier at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Al Shamal cruised to a 5-0 victory over Al Sailiya.
Wesley Said opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Riyad Mahrez doubled the lead five minutes before half-time.
Tiago Silva struck two minutes after the restart, with Moufak Awad (61st) and Baghdad Bounedjah (65th) completing the rout.
The victory, Al Shamal’s third of the season, took them to 12 points, while Al Sailiya remained on one point after suffering their eighth defeat.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan face off in the Qatar Clasico today, with both sides level on 18 points.
The match at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium carries added significance as defending champions Al Sadd look to maintain their title push, while Al Rayyan aim to strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
Al Sadd coach Razvan Lucescu expects a tough contest, saying his team must give their best to collect all three points.
“We are well aware of the importance of this match,” Lucescu said.
Al Rayyan coach Vicente Moreno acknowledged the importance of the Clasico for the club’s supporters and called on his players to produce a strong performance.
“We know how important this match is for our fans and for us. We want to win tomorrow and I have full confidence in my players,” Moreno said.
Earlier today, ninth-placed Lusail, with nine points, take on 11th-placed Qatar SC, who have six points, at Al Khor Stadium at 5:15pm. The Clasico kicks off at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium at 7:30pm.
