: Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Rayyan beat Al Ahli on Monday and retained their top billing on the points table but team manager said on Tuesday his side was tested by their rivals
 
"I applaud the performance of the side," team manager Mazkar Al Shafi said on Tuesday.
 
"I thank the players for their commitment but it was not easy win They tested us," he said.
 
Al Shafi added: “The match wasn’t easy despite the win with three goals as some people may assume. Our desire to compensate for Al Sadd defeat put much pressure on the players."
 
He added: "Also taking into consideration that Al Ahli aren’t easy opponents. During the course of the game Al Rayyan performed well as taking the lead by two goals during the first half helped us gain superiority for the remainder of the match.”
 
Al Shafi explained: "The team deserved the three points to complete their 12th win which is an amazing record especially by the end of the first leg of QSL.”
 
Al Rayyan has a tally of 36 pints from 13 games (12 victories and one defeat).
 
"We expect another tough fight when we play Al Sailiya in the next round," Al Shafi said.