QSL talking points
The fifth round of the QSL action saw plenty of statement results and big wins for the promoted sides. Here in our weekly feature, QSL online picks out the key talking points from the round.

Promoted sides win big in round five.

Traditionally in the QSL, promoted sides tend to endure a miserable relegation battle ultimately ending up with the side being send straight back to the Qatar Gas League. However in round five both promoted sides Al Shahania and Muaither registered big wins, in what could prove to be vital in the race to beat the drop.

Al Shahania moved up to fifth place in the QSL standings with a commanding 2-1 victory over Al Sailiya. The Oryxes registered their second win of the new season thanks to goals from Mohamed Tiaïba and Abdullah Al-Yazidi, with Sailiya grabbing a late consolation.

Head coach Jose Fernando has been part of the Shahania set up for the last few years now and has stepped up to take over the reins of departing coach Fathi Al-Jabal, who left two weeks into the start of the season.  Shahania will be targeting another scalp in round six, when they take on former QSL champions Al Sadd.

As for Muaither they registered their first victory of the season, edging out fellow strugglers Al Wakrah. Deadline day signing Alain Dioko proved to be the difference maker for the stallions, who have moved away from the foot of the QSL standings.  Head coach Phillpe Birol will now be targeting to build on the breakthrough win, when Muaither visit Al Arabi in the next round.



Luca shown the door at Al Ahli

The second managerial casualty of the QSL season saw Al Ahli Coach Luka Bonačić relieved of his duties following the Brigadeers losing 3-1 to Al Khor on Thursday evening.  Al Ahli had enjoyed a relatively strong start to the QSL season, including a derby day win over Al Arabi and had been sitting in fourth place going into round five.

However it seems that the comprehensive defeat to Al Khor proved to be too much for the Ahli management, promptly giving the Croatian his marching orders. Now the Ahli hierarchy will have to move quickly to find a worthy replacement, especially when Ahli will take on Al Rayyan in just four days’ time.

Jaish and Lekhwiya start to pull away

Both El Jaish and Lekhwiya registered big victories to further steak their claims for the QSL falcon shield come the end of the season. Jaish survived a late scare to run out 4-2 winners against Umm Salal. Brazilian striker Romarinho struck a hat-trick, in what was a composed win for Sabri Lamouchi’s side.

Not be outdone, Lekhwiya brushed aside the ten men of Al Arabi with a commanding 4-1 victory. Lekhwiya eased away for the win, after Arabi midfielder Ahmed Maqsoud was given his marching orders for two yellow cards in the first half.

Both sides are now locked in the top two places on thirteen points each. The rivals will be looking to maintain their undefeated streaks when they take on Al Sailiya and Al Khor respectively in round five.