Al Gharafa post gutsy win over El Jaish

Former Qatar Stars League champions Al Gharafa fought in style to beat El Jaish 2-1 at Lekhwiya Stadium on Thursday evening. Attackers Krisztian Nemeth and Vladimir Weiss scored for the Cheetahs in the tense round twelve clash. It was Al Gharafa's seventh win of the season as points leaders El Jaish suffered only their second loss of the season.

For Sabri Lamouchi's side, the only goal was scored by Uzbekistan international Sardor Rashidov in the 66th minute. El Jaish dominated proceedings in the first 10 minutes as both sides struggled for ball possession at Lekhwiya Stadium.

After the cagey start, El Jaish's Rashidov sneaked into the Al Gharafa box but his powerful shot towards the goal was blocked by goalkeeper Yusuf Ali who managed to punch the ball to end the threatening move. Three minutes later, striker Romarinho of Jaish launched a fierce drive from the edge of the box but his shot narrowly missed the Al Gharafa goalpost.

Jaish dominated the ball in the early exchanges, however it was the former champions who opened the scoring. In the 25th minute, Nemeth produced an acrobatic volley off a curlin corner kick to help Pedro Caixina’s take the lead. It was Nemeth's fifth goal in the season for Al Gharafa.

​

The first half ended with Al Gharafa leading 1-0. Jaish pushed for an equaliser during the second half midfielder Ahmed Moein went for a powerful left-drive from the edge of the Al Gharafa box but his shot was palmed away by goalkeeper Ali. Whilst In the 50th minute, Jaish attacker Romarinho slipped into the Gharafa box and took aim at the goal but his shot was blocked by Abdulaziz Abdulla.

Two minutes later, Al Gharafa skipper Lawrence Quay produced a snap-header inside El Jaish box but his close-range deflection missed the far goalpost by inches. Al Gharafa’s goal was leading a charmed life and in the 66th minute, El Jaish found a equaliser through Harder Rashidov  who produced a powerful shot to help the QSL side find parity.

Twelve minutes later found their winner. El Jaish skipper Ali Al-Nuaimi brought down Muyad Hassan of Al Gharafa, a tackle that saw referee point to the penalty spot much to the dismay of El Jaish players and officials at the touchline. Slovakian international Vladimir Weiss maintained his composure and  scored with a gentle tap to the left of El Jaish goalkeeper Saoud Al-Khater in the 78th minute.

Al Gharafa held out to register the vital win, to consign El Jaish to their second win of the season.