Al Rayyan’s Roger Guedes (left) in action against Al Sailiya’s Abdulla Mahmoud yesterday.
DOHA: Roger Guedes struck twice late on as Al Rayyan came from behind to defeat newly promoted Al Sailiya 3-1 in the opening match of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Artur Jorge’s side dominated possession early but were shocked in the 20th minute when Hadi Ali Tabasideh gave Al Sailiya the lead with a low, curling strike from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Samy Beldi at full stretch.
Al Rayyan responded with pressure, but Fahad Younis kept Al Sailiya ahead, notably tipping over a powerful header from Ahmed Alaaeldin after the half-hour mark. The underdogs held their lead into the break.
Al Shamal players celebrate during their match against Al Ahli.
The equaliser finally came in the 68th minute when Julien De Sart blasted home from inside the area after being set up by Gregore following a corner.
Moustafa Elsayed Assr narrowly missed with a header in the 70th minute but earned a penalty shortly after when he was fouled by Kellian van der Kaap in the box.
Last season’s top scorer Roger Guedes, who netted 21 goals, made no mistake from the spot in the 82nd minute, sending the keeper the wrong way to give Al Rayyan the lead.
The Brazilian forward added his second in the 90th minute, racing onto a long ball from the goalkeeper before finishing clinically from the center of the box to seal the win.
Later at Khalifa International Stadium, Al Shamal defeated Al Ahli 2-0 with a goal in each half.
Mohammad Naceur Al Mannai opened the scoring in the 40th minute, while Mohamed Rafik Umer sealed the win in the 88th.
Meanwhile, Al Gharafa head coach Pedro Martins said his team has “great aspirations” as they begin their QSL campaign against Umm Salal tonight at Al Bayt Stadium today.
“Our pre-season preparations were very positive. The team is ready to face Umm Salal,” said Martins, who guided Al Gharafa to third place last season.
“We have great ambitions to perform better than last season. Our main goal is to win another title and we’re required to fight for the league crown.”
Umm Salal coach Patrice Carteron is focused on turning the page after a tough season in which his side narrowly avoided relegation.
“We are confident in our strategy. The most important thing is to have a plan and the ambition to achieve something this season,” Carteron said.
Earlier in the day Al Arabi will face Al Wakrah at Al Thumama Stadium.
Al Arabi coach Pablo Amo praised the club’s support and preparation.
“I’m completely satisfied with our pre-season. The management gave great support, which helped us prepare in the best possible way,” said Amo.
Al Wakrah coach Vicente Moreno is optimistic ahead of the opener.
“All players are ready. We’ve worked well, and I have high hopes for this season,” he said.
“Al Arabi are a strong team who’ve made quality signings.”
