Al Sadd were held to a 0-0 draw by Al Wakrah in their Week 3 match of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.

Ahead of the match, Al Wakrah were fourth in the standings with four points after winning the opening match of the season against Muaither 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with Al Shamal in last week’s fixture, while Al Sadd had garnered the maximum points from their first two matches after winning against Umm Salal (3-1) and Al Ahli (4-2).

Al Wakrah’s Jacinto Dala thought he had provided his team with the lead in the 31st minute. However, his goal was ultimately invalidated by a decision made by the VAR.

Dala missed another attempt in the 34th minute after his left-footed shot from the centre of the box narrowly went past the right of Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham’s goal following an assist from Hazem Shehata.

Al Sadd had a couple of chances of their own, with Gonzalo Plata’s 39th-minute left-footed shot from the left side of the box that was saved by Saoud Al Khater being one of the major highlights of first half.

Boualem Khoukhi also came close to scoring, but his right-footed shot from the left side of the box, following a corner kick, was just too high.

The fast-paced match saw the issuance of four yellow cards in the first half, equal between the teams.

The second half witnessed a couple of missed attempts from both sides, with Al Sadd more guilty of wasting their chances.

With the result, Al Sadd are now tied on seven points with Al Gharafa and Al Duhail in the standings, while Al Rayyan lead with nine points from three matches.