Ten-man Al Gharafa held on for a 0-0 draw with Qatar SC in Week 14 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Friday.

A match with consequences at both ends of the QNB Stars League table failed to produce a result in a hearty battle, which saw the pendulum swing in favour of Qatar SC as early as the third minute when Al Gharafa’s Mostafa Kadira was sent off. 

This was just the advantage that Qatar SC would have hoped for as they pursued an opening goal. While Al Gharafa were able to create some openings, the clearest chances of the first half fell to the away side who struck the post twice. Abdenasser El Khayati, advancing down the right-hand side, crossed the ball into the area with Kayke Rodrigues heading against the far post and Qasem Burhan clawed the ball to safety as it rolled across the goal-line.

As the half drew to a close, the lively El Khayati found himself free on the edge of the area and struck a thunderous effort against the outside of the post, to great relief for Al Gharafa. 

The Kings were on a roll and continued to press their opponents. They should have taken the lead midway through the second half when Sardor Rashidov played in Kayke who rounded the keeper, but struck the post again from a tight angle.

Al Gharafa grew in confidence and were unfortunate not to open the scoring when Kodjia and Alaaeldin combined to find Sofiane whose ferocious shot was just wide of the target. 

In the end, the points were shared as neither side were able to break the deadlock.

Al Gharafa now have 24 points and Qatar SC 16.