Kasola the hero as Sadd and Rayyan share points in Qatar Classico
Al Sadd 2 Al Rayyan 2

Goals in the final two minutes of the tie from Hassan Haydoos and Qatari international defender Mohammed Kasola, saved the points for Jeslado Ferriera’s side in the Qatari Clasico against Al Rayyan.

The pattern for the tie was established as early as the eleventh minute when Abdulkarim Hassan came bombing forward for Al Sadd, unfortunately the Qatari international was unable to pick out a team mate, and the ball was swept away with ease by Al Rayyan.

Sadd look the better side in the first half and registered two major chances on the 22^nd and 24^th minutes of the tie. Unfortunately Hassan Haydoo’s snapshot and Bagdad Bounjah’s towing header were easily picked up by Rayyan stopper Omar Bari.

The QSL champions looked lackluster in attack at times during the first half, but registered their first chance on the stroke of halftime. Left-back Mohammed Jumma found plenty of space on the right hand of the penalty area; however his strike was changed down by Sadd stopper Muhannad Naim, The first half ended honors even at 0-0.



Rayyan rallied in the second half and signaled their intent with 50 minutes on the clock. Sergio Garcia’s shot being caught by Muhannad Naim. Four minutes later Al Rayyan opened the scoring with a smartly worked freekick. Substitute Ulises Pascua’s short pass to Hamad Ismael and the subsequent cross found Sergio Garcia who slotted in from close range.

Sadd pushed hard against Al Rayyan and carved up their first chance in the second half from Bagdad Bounjah, however the Algerian striker’s header sailed over Omar Bari’s goal. Rayyan where looking to take Sadd on the break and had to wait for the 70^th minute to double their lead. A quickly taken freekick by skipper Rodrigo Tabata found Sergio Garcia at the near-post who volleyed in for his 14^th goal of the QSL season.

The match turned on the 78^th minute when Rayyan midfielder Victor Casares was given his marching orders for a second yellow card after a clumsy tackle on Bagdad Bounjah on the edge of the box. Sadd racheted up the pressure on the QSL champions and deservedly got their breakthrough goal on the 88^th minute.

Captain Xavi’s fierce drive was palmed by Omar Barry into the path of Hassan Haydoos who  scored to set up a grand-stand finish. Moments later Sadd’s comeback was complete with Bounjah providing for substitute Mohammed Kasola who headed in the equalizer much to the joy of the Sadd fans in attendance.

The result leaves Al Sadd in third place with 46 points, giving Jesaldo Ferriera’s side the mental advantage going into the Qatar Cup competition at the end of the month.