Lekhwiya claim fifth & final QSL title in ruthless fashion.

Lekhwiya is the next side under the spotlight as we look at the progress of the teams in the QSL during the 2016/2017 campaign. Djamel Belmadi’s side got the better of rivals of Al Sadd lifting the QSL falcon shield by just two points to claim their fifth QSL title in seven years. The Red Knights showed plenty of ruthless aggression scoring late several times to seal a memorable title win.

Unsurprisingly Lekhwiya started the QSL in typical bullish form, scoring plenty of goals with summer signing Yusef El Arabi immediately settling, scoring seven goals in his opening five matches for his new side. Whilst the side also showed plenty of fighting spirit to come from behind to register a 5-4 over Al Gharafa thanks to a last minute strike from South Korean midfielder Nam Tae Hee.

The Red Knights shared the points with title rivals Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, however a 2-2 draw in late November to Al Khor, certainly seemed to irk the Red Knights ever intense coach Djamel Belmadi. Lekhwiya promptly went on a fine winning run in the league, notching nine straight wins in a row. A record 10-0 win over Al Shahania coupled by a comprehensive 3-0 win over Al Gharafa and a narrow 2-1 victory over title rivals Al Sadd but Lekhwiya in the box seat for the QSL title.




​Lowly Al Wakrah broke the winning streak with a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Lekhwiya fighting back from three goals down to share the points. Whilst Lekhwiya shared the points with Al Rayyan in a 1-1 draw in early February to maintain their strong record against their title rivals. Finally after 21 rounds of the season, Lekhwiya tasted defeat for the first time this season, with Umm Salal registering an impressive 3-1 win.



​Whilst after the shock of defeat, Lekhwiya fought back with a run of four victories on the bounce which sealed their fate as league champions. It’s perhaps no surprise that Nam Tae Hee, who enjoyed his finest season in a Lekhwiya shirt, grabbed a stoppage time winner against Al Ahli to confirm the title win.

Lekhwiya’s season can be perfectly underlined up by the performances of summer signing Yusef El Arabi. The Moroccan international striker has been nothing short of ruthless in front of goal, scoring 24 goals in just 18 QSL games. Djamel Belmadi’s side have shown plenty of aggression to grind out these final wins to assure their fifth ever QSL falcon shield. 

Now with the season over, Lekhwiya is set to be merged with El Jaish to form Duhail FC. With a number of the Lekhwiya squad set to stay with Duhail, they will certainly be targeting a maiden QSL falcon shield for the newly formed side during the 2017/2018 QSL campaign.