Last day heartache for Relegated Qatar SC.

The 2015/2016 promised so much for Qatar SC, but eventually ended in the first ever relegation for the Kings from the QSL.  The previous season Qatar SC finished an impressive fourth place under Iraqi tactician Radhi Shenaishil, but failed to kick on and ended under an unfortunate relegation.

New signings boosted the Kings ranks in the summer with striker Mouchine Iajour the eye-catching edition to the squad. Qatar SC started the season in the worst possible manner, picking up just one point from a possible eighteen.

That run of games ended Shenaishil’s tenure in late October with the side and Qatar turned to a familiar face in Sebastio Lazaroni. In his third stint with the Kings the Brazilian tactician was charged from saving his side from the drop.

Lazaroni’s tenure started well. A 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Meisameer should of sparked further wins, however Qatar SC went on to register three defeats in a row, including hammerings from Al Rayyan (9-0) and Al Sailiya (5-0).



In early December the Kings began to turn a corner, A shock 1-0 victory over high-flying El Jaish and two plucky draws followed against Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah respectively. But the three game running streak was stopped with two defeats to relegation rivals Al Kharitiyat (3-2) and Lekhiwya (2-1).

The Kings status in the QSL looked in doubt; however Lazaroni raised his troops for the relegation battle ahead. Qatar SC went on a five game unbeaten streak which included wins over Al Sadd (1-0) and Al Ahli (3-2). Central to the Kings good form was winter signing Emiliano Vecchio. The Argentine midfielder was recruited from Colo –Colo on a six month loan and the diminutive attacker was central to Qatar’s good run of form.





The five game winning streak was punctuated with a 3-1 defeat to relegation rivals Al Khor. However as the season came to a dramatic conclusion Qatar SC began to pick up points when it mattered registering three straight draws and a win going to the final game of the season.



A dramatic end of the season was on the cards, as Qatar SC had clawed back the deficit to just one point against Al Kharitiyat. The Kings knew that a final day victory over already safe Al Wakrah could guarantee safety, should Al Kharitiyat drop points against Umm Salal who has enjoyed a fine season under Bulent Uygen. A nervy final game waited for both sides.

It seemed to be going Qatar SC’s way. Umm Salal had a commanding 2-0 lead over Kharitiyat, but disaster struck. With Wakrah claiming the lead on the 54^th minute, thankfully the Kings pegged them back moments later through Daniel Carrando.

The tie was set for a grandstand finish, Qatar SC just needed one extra goal to complete a miracle great escape. However despite their best efforts the Kings drew with Wakrah 1-1 and despite Al Kharitiyat losing 3-2 to Umm Salal a point was not enough to see Qatar SC survive.

With that Qatar SC where relegated for the first time in their history to the Qatar Gas League. A tough 2016/2017 awaits for the Kings who will be aiming to bounce back into the Qatar Stars League at the first time of asking.