Promoted Al Shahania pulled off a 1-0 win over Al Kharaitiyat in Week 2 of the QNB Stars League at the Al Sadd Stadium on Sunday.

Argentinian striker Luciano Vazquez scored the all-important goal in the 27th minute.

Al Shahania, who had lost to holders Al Duhail in the first round, thus opened their account, while Al Kharaitiyat crashed to their second successive loss. They had lost to Al Sadd earlier.

Al Shahania were clearly the better side. They created more chances compared to Al Kharaitiyat whose main bane was wayward shooting.

Nassif Al Bayawi’s wards were not a determined lot and that reflected on their performance.

Vazquez netted the first opportunity created by either side when he chipped in the ball over the head of goalkeeper Ahmed Sofyan from close range. He was well supported by fellow striker Kesse Jean.

The goal woke Al Kharaitiyat up, but it was not enough. They had their best chance five minutes after restart. First, Anwar Diba’s long-ranger was parried by keeper Khalifa Al Dossari. The resultant corner kick, taken by Diba, saw Mohammed Salam spurn a sitter at the goalmouth when he was in an unmarked position.

In between, Kesse wreaked havoc in the Al Kharaitiyat area. He almost doubled their lead towards the end, only to see his shot go wide of the target.

Al Shahania’s Reza Shanbeh found the mark in the 80th minute, but his effort was ruled offside.

Al Kharaitiyat paid the price for the absence of a sharp shooter.