Promising start for Al Shahania

Two rounds have passed in the QSL season and newly promoted Al Shahania has three points for their efforts. Predictably the newly promoted side where blown away in their first match against the Champions Al Rayyan, however the Oryxes did grab an important victory over fellow promoted side Muaither, in what will be considered a good start by Fathi Al Jabal.

The first tie saw Shahania take on Al Rayyan, and despite the 3-0 defeat the Oryxes showed plenty of fighting spirit and even at times dominated possession against the reigning QSL champions. It was only one real defensive lapse, coupled by the brilliance of Rodrigo Tabata that gave Rayyan the three points in a result that didn’t really do Al Shahania justice.

The second tie against Muaither was the realistic chance to register points for the first time of the season, and Shahania duely did. A solitary Mohamed Tiaïba strike in the first half was enough, and head coach Fathi Al Jabal will be heartened by the defensive performance of his team.



In summer signing Mohamed Tiaïba, Shahania have an attacker who could be a difference maker come the end of the season. The Algerian has settled quickly into life in the QSL, and already has scored his maiden goal in the narrow win over Muaither. Many sides who have been promoted to the QSL have struggled to find goals at times, however early indications suggest that Tiaïba could be the man to provides the goals for the Oryxes over the season.

Young winger Yousef Hani Balan has the potential to make an impact for his side this term. Balan has thus far had one substitute appearance in the match against Muaither and certainly looked the part. Blessed with bags of pace, the attacker stretched the play beautifully especially at a time when his side was looking vulnerable defensively. A recent call up to the Qatar U23 side will also be seen as a major confidence boost for the youngster.

Versatile Iranian midfielder Mehrdad Pooladi stuck with Al Shahania after being relegated to the Qatar Gas League. Pooladi was rewarded with promotion the following season, along with a new contract extension with the club. The former Iranian international can play on either flanks in both defense and midfield and that flexability will be invaluable for Fathi Al Jabal over the season. The veteran will have to be at his combative best, if the Oryxes are to beat the drop to the Qatar Gas League.

The Oryxes will now focus over the international break for their third round QSL match against a undefeated Umm Salal side. The match will take on Friday the 14^th of October at Qatar SC stadium.