Gutsy Sadd fight-back in the Classico

Credit has to go to Al Sadd for battling to the very end to register a last-gasp equalizer in the Qatari Clasico against QSL champs Al Rayyan on Sunday evening. Jesaldo Ferriera’s side showed plenty of heart coming from two goals down to score twice in the last moments of the tie.

Substitute Mohammed Kasola headed home the crucial goal in stoppage time, with the goal all the more sweeter for the Qatari international after copping some stick on social media in recent days. The result could have major ramifications going into the Qatar Cup competition, the traditional season closer for the QSL.

Al Rayyan showed some moments of real quality, but defensive lapses cost them to drop even more points since lifting the falcon shield. Jorge Fossati’s side will be looking to right themselves ahead of the Qatar Cup when they take on in-form Al Ahli in their last game of the QSL season.


 
Relegation battle to go to the wire

The quest to beat the drop will go to the last round in the QSL. Both Qatar SC and Al Kharitiyat registered impressive wins against Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah respectively to keep their survival chances alive.

Qatar SC only needed 15 seconds to open the scoring against Al Gharafa last Saturday. A Ali Awad tap in gave Sebastio Lazaroni’s side a dream start. The Brazilian coach was in raptures when his side doubled the lead courtisey of Daniello Carando. The Kings weathered a Gharafa comeback goal from Mohammed Razak to seal the win on the 87^th minute from Ali Said.

As for Kharitiyat they blew away lowly Al Wakrah.  Three goals in 14 minutes secured a massive three points for the Thunders, who remain 12th in the QSL table and a point clear of Qatar Sports Club. Jordanian striker Hassan Abdel Fattah starred for Amir Osim’s side with two goals in seven second half minutes.

Both sides will be relying on the other to slip up in the final round to assure safety. Qatar SC Will take on Al Wakrah, whilst Al Kharitiyat will take on high-flying Umm Salal. Expect some late drama for these two sides.
 
 
 
Top 4 all but confirmed

Despite suffering a shock 5-4 loss to Al Ahli, Lekhwiya have all but confirmed their place in the Qatar Cup completion this season. The current Qatar Cup champions should be through as the fourth place side, as Umm Salal lost to rivals El Jaish 2-1. The Orange fortress still has a slim chance to qualify mathematically although it would need a 15 goal swing, and Lekhwiya to lose to already relegated Meisameer.

It means that the Fab four can now be announced as Al Rayyan, El Jaish, Al Sadd and Lekhwiya. However the order could change as El Jaish face Al Sadd in their final game of the season, which will be a straight shoot-out for the second place in the QSL standings.


 
Tabata Vs Hamdulla- Race for top scorer

A brace from striker Abderrazak Hamdallah against Umm Salal means that the Moroccan striker is on the same goal tally as Rodrigo Tabata going into the final match of the season.

Both players have been grabbed 20 goals this QSL season and both players will be hoping to be amongst the goals in round 26 to assure the top scorer award at the end of season QFA awards.



5 star Ahli

Al Ahli pulled of the result of the weekend scoring three goals in the final ten minutes to down former QSL champions Lekhwiya 5-4 in a nine goal thriller on Sunday evening.

Moroccan striker Mouchine Iajour was the star of the show for Ahli with a fine hat-trick, including the 91^st minute winner for Yusef Adam’s side. The result means that the Brigaders are now undefeated in four QSL games.

Central to Ahli’s rise has been the current QSL player of the month Meshal Abdulla. The Qatar international has been on inspired form in recent weeks, and the captain has lead by example. His partnership with Iajour could be crucial if Ahli are to progress in the upcoming Emir Cup.