Al Rayyan set to lift the Falcon Shield

It’s been coming for a while, but it all but seems that Al  Rayyan will be lifting the falcon shield come the end of the season. The Lions have a thirteen point lead at the top of the table, after rivals Lekhwia dropped points against Al Sailiya on Friday evening.

However Jorge Fossati’s side left it late to beat a resolute Meisameer. Captain Rodrigo Tabata’s perfect free-kick in the 89^th minute along with a Fahad Khalfan header was just enough for the three points.

This never say die attitude from Al Rayyan means they are now just a few wins away from lifting their first falcon shield since the 1995.




 
Al Khor on the way up.

Many people tipped Al Khor to struggle this year in the QSL. However in recent weeks the Knights have found their form under veteran French Tactician Jean Fernandez. Their recent 1-0 victory over Al Wakrah has now pushed the side from up north into eighth place in the QSL standings.

It’s certainly a turnaround in fortunes for a club who is used to languishing in the lower reaches of the league. However Fernandez has tightened up the team defensively and Khor are currently on a five game unbeaten streak in the QSL. Expect their round 18 clash against league leaders Al Rayyan to be an interesting encounter.
 
Al Sadd still stuttering 

Al Sadd left it late to rescue the points against Al Ahli in their round 17 clash against Al Ahli. Despite creating a host of chances, only Ali Asad registered late in the game for the Wolves.

Frustratingly for the Wolves they have yet to register a victory in 2016. Hopefully with new signing Baghdad Bounedjah approaching full fitness he will be able to score the goals to ensure that Al Sadd are in the Qatar Cup come the end of the season.  

However Al Sadd should be careful with Al Arabi just two points away from them in fifth place.Their round 18 QSL clash against relegation threated Qatar SC could be of real significance if the Wolves cannot get a result.



 
Caixinia the right man for Gharafa

Despite losing the QSL match of the week against Al Arabi, Gharafa head coach Pedro Caixinia was refreshingly honest about his side’s performance. “We lost this match against a good Al Arabi side.” The Portuguese coach noted on Friday evening, “However we will learn from this result and develop and grow from this defeat.”

This reflective style will perhaps come as a shock for Gharafa who are used to chopping and changing their managers on a regular basis.

On the pitch, and Gharafa looked much improved in the final third bagging two late goals to scare Al Arabi. If they are able to find a balance defensively, and crucially stick with Caixinia they may be able to challenge for the Qatar cup places and beyond this season.
 




Late drama in the QSL!

Round 17 of the QSL provided yet more last-gasp goals. In the QSL match of the week, Al Gharfa grabbed two goals in the final minutes, although it was not enough to defeat Al Arabi. Qatar Sports club struck an equalizer in the 94^th minute to share the points with Umm Salal, and leaders Al Rayyan needed two late strikes to down bottom club Meisameer.

With so many late goals, you have to credit the QSL sides that are battling till the very end to get the result.