Alkass English
Al Duhail delivered a ruthless display to thrash Al Arabi 8-1, while Al Wakrah staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to hold reigning champions Al Sadd 2-2 in the Qatar Stars League yesterday. Elsewhere, leaders Al Shamal were frustrated in a goalless draw with Al Gharafa, ending their four-match winning run.
At Al Thumama Stadium, Al Duhail wasted no time asserting dominance. Krzysztof Piatek powered in a header inside three minutes from Sultan Al Brake’s cross, though he later missed a penalty after Luis Alberto was fouled. Al Arabi briefly responded through Pablo Sarabia’s thunderous strike, but an own goal from Al Hashmi Al Hussain restored Al Duhail’s lead before Al Brake’s long-range rocket made it 3-1. Alberto’s neat finish from Adil Boulbina’s assist put them firmly in control by the break.
The second half was no respite for Al Arabi. Boulbina struck with a delightful chip before setting up Alberto again for his brace. Simo Keddari’s red card further punished Al Arabi, with Boulbina calmly converting the resulting penalty. Benjamin Bourigeaud added an eighth from the spot to complete the rout. Al Brake summed up the mood: “We controlled the game early and scored four goals. This is the rhythm we need both domestically and in Asia.”
At Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Sadd looked to be cruising after Akram Afif curled in the opener and Giovani pounced on a defensive lapse to make it 2-0. But Redouane Berkane inspired Al Wakrah’s fightback, first missing a penalty then making amends with a stunning overhead strike. He struck again with a clinical close-range finish in the 73rd minute to secure a precious point for his side. The result leaves Al Wakrah fourth with eight points, one ahead of Al Sadd in sixth.
At Khalifa International Stadium, Al Shamal and Al Gharafa played out a tense 0-0 stalemate. Yacine Brahimi and Baghdad Bounedjah came closest, but Babacar Seck in Al Shamal’s goal stood firm. The draw leaves Al Gharafa on 10 points, level with Qatar SC, who could move top if they defeat Al Shahania today.
QSL Results?Al Shamal 0-0 Al Gharafa?Al Arabi 1-8 Al Duhail?Al Sadd 2-2 Al Wakrah
Today?Umm Salal vs Al Sailiya (Al Bayt Stadium, 6pm)?Qatar SC vs Al Shahania (Khalifa International Stadium, 8pm)?Al Ahli vs Al Rayyan (Al Thumama Stadium, 8pm)