Round seven saw the return of the QSL after the international break. Here in our regular feature talking points, QSL online picks out the stories that matter from the weekend’s action.

Three wins in a row for Muaither

Newly promoted Muaither put in the performance of the weekend with their narrow 1-0 win over Al Khor. The Stallions managed the game superbly, looking assured in defense and deadly in attack when it mattered. Muaither grabbed the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time after captain Alain Dioko pounced on a misplaced back pass and slid the ball to strike partner Mahmoud Za'tara who slid in to score his second goal of the season.

With the game stretched in the second half, Muaither had chances to put the tie beyond doubt. However they held out to register their third consecutive win of the season much to the delight of head coach Phillipe Birol. Muaither will now search for their fourth straight win of the season against the reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan in round eight.



 
Lekhwiya show plenty of heart in Rayyan draw

Former QSL champions Lekhwiya underlined their title credentials with a battling draw with Al Rayyan in the QSL match of the week tie. The result was all the more impressive considering Djamel Belmadi’s side came from behind with ten men following the dismissal of defender Mohammed Tressor.

The Red Knights showed the never say die attitude of champions, and Belmadi rightly celebrated with vigor after Yusef El Arabi smashed the ball in from close range during second half stoppage time. Lekhwiya, just like their fellow title contenders have yet to taste defeat this season, and will be targeting a statement win against an Umm Salal side that are notoriously hard to break down in round eight.

​

Daylight for El Jaish at the top of the table

El Jaish came out as the big winners of round seven as their title rivals dropped points in the hunt for the QSL falcon shield. Sabri Lamouchi’s side opened up a four point gap at the top of the QSL standings following their 3-1 victory over Al Shahania.  The bigger news perhaps for Jaish was that the three sides Al Sadd, Lekhwiya and Al Rayyan below them could only register a point from their games.

Even more encouraging for Lamouchi will be the continued good form of Romarinho, who bagged a brace in the game confirming his status as the leading marksman in the league with ten goals in just seven QSL games. Jaish have yet to taste defeat so far this season, and will be aiming for their fourth straight win when they face a struggling Al Kharaitiyat side in round eight of the QSL season.
 
 
Al Gharafa finding their stride

Another side who has been stringing together a run of results has been Al Gharafa. Head coach Pedro Caixinia stressed the need for his side to keep up their good form against Al Arabi at last week’s pre match press conference. The Portuguese coach will therefore be happy with the Cheetah’s efforts in their 4-2 victory over old rivals Al Arabi. 

Gharafa showed plenty of fighting spirit to come back from a goal down to eventually grab all three points. Pedro Caixinia’s boys are now undefeated in five QSL games and have moved up into fifth place in the QSL standings.  Gharafa will be looking to maintain their streak when they take on Al Khor in the next weekend of QSL action.