The penultimate-round action in the QNB Stars League witnessed high drama, and plenty of action and excitement. QSL Online highlights one outstanding performer from each of the six matches.

Kwame Karikari (Al Arabi)

Kwame Karikari did the star turn as Al Arabi registered their fourth victory in a row, something unheard of in the club’s recent history. The Ghanaian striker scored Al Arabi’s second and third goals after Brazilian midfielder Diego Jardel converted from the spot in their 3-1 win over Al Gharafa. The win took Al Arabi from ninth to seventh position and Karikari took his tally to eight goals.

Mahmoud Mawas (Umm Salal)

Mahmoud Mawas played an important role in Umm Salal’s crucial 2-2 draw with Al Rayyan. He scored the first goal for Umm Salal, with Tunisian attacking midfielder Oussama Darragi netting the other. The Syrian midfielder has been a consistent performer for The Orange Fortress this season. The result drew Umm Salal level with Al Gharafa, but behind in the fifth position on goal difference.

Salem Khalifa (Al Khor)

Salem Khalifa netted the all-important goal as Al Khor defeated formidable Al Sadd to avloid the relegation threat once and for all. They moved to 21 points in the 10th position and it was their sixth victory. Salem beat two rival defenders with his amazing speed, unleashed a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper and smashed into the net at high speed.

Yousef El Arabi (Al Duhail)

Moroccan striker Yousef El Arabi once again underlined his scoring prowess as he netted twice in new champions Al Duhail’s 4-2 win over now-relegated team Al Markhiya. El Arabi thus continued to top the scoring chart with 26 goals, while his team-mate and Tunisian midfielder Youssef Msakni, who also struck a brace, is close behind on 25 goals.

Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov (Al Sailiya)

Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov struck twice as Al Sailiya scored an easy 3-0 victory over Al Ahli. The Peregrines remained sixth in the QNB Stars League standings, but took their points tally to 28. The Uzbek striker has now scored 10 goals, while Wagner Ribeiro, the other scorer, took his tally to 12 goals. The victory helped Al Sailiya put behind the disappointment of three defeats in a row.

Saoud Nasser (Al Kharaitiyat)

Saoud Nasser suddenly became Al Kharaitiyat’s hero after he found their winning goal against Qatar SC with perhaps the last kick of the game. He fired home from close range in the fifth minute of stoppage time and Al Kharaitiyat won the match 3-2. The goal assumed greater significance because Al Kharaitiyat earned the play-off with Second Division runners-up Al Wakrah for a place in the top flight.