Al Gharafa fought to the end to earn valuable three points, thanks to an impressive 3-1 victory away to Al Khor in Week 9 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League at the Al Khor Stadium on Saturday.

Their goals came from Ahmed Alaaeldin in the 12th minute, and Sofiane Hanni in the 74th and 86th minutes. Al Khor had earlier scored through Tiago Bezerra in the 69th minute.

Al Gharafa opened the proceedings with an early goal to settle the nerves,  thanks to Hector Moreno’s incisive cross from deep which was met by Ahmed Alaaeldin who rose highest to plant his header into the corner.

The hosts also had strong openings as they were twice unfortunate not to equalise when both Ahmed Hammoudan and Abduka Al Moraisi had separate opportunities to score having gone past the last line of defence.

The majority of the pressure continued from the away side though as they sought to extend their lead. Firstly, Sofiane saw a free-kick fly inches past the far post, before Amro Seraj’s powerful drive was excellently stopped by Baba Djibril in the Al Khor goal. 

After a strong push in the second half, The Knights got their equaliser from a set piece, which was always the most likely of routes. Following a corner, Robert Alexander Melki swung in a cross which evaded the goalkeeper and was spectacularly finished with a scissor kick from Bezerra at the back post.

Rather than spurring them on for a second, it was Al Gharafa who were quickest to respond to the setback as they pushed for, and ultimately got, the second goal. Amro, who caused trouble all night, weaved his way into the penalty area and his shot struck the outside of the post, but was collected by Sofiane who fired The Cheetahs’ second of the evening.

Sofiane was on hand to confirm the victory late on when Amro whipped in an inch perfect cross for Sofiane to sidefoot home on the volley.

The result saw Al Gharafa move on to 17 points, while while Al Khor remained on five points.