Round 18 of the QSL season saw keenly contested games and a number of eye catching games with just eight rounds of the season left to play. In our regular feature talking points, we highlight the moments that mattered over the weekend of action.

Lekhwiya showing the luck of champions

Many people suggested that Lekhwiya’s undefeated streak in the QSL could have to an end on Saturday evening when they faced a tricky Al Arabi side. The Red Knights had a host of key players out for the tie, including Chico Flores, Ali Afif and Almoez Ali who were all sidelined through suspension.

Regardless of their absences Lekhwiya again came away with a fortuitous goal through their all-time leading scorer Nam Tae Hee.  A dangerous cross came into the box and Arabi keeper Masoud Zeraei punched the ball into the South Korean international which eventually found its way into the back of the net. 

Djamel Belmadi’s side proceeded to quell the Al Arabi attacks, and come away with the all-important three points as they returned to the summit of the QSL standings. This kind of victory against the odds highlights the fighting spirit installed by Belmadi and their will to win at all costs. Lekhwiya will now look to stretch out their unbeaten streak to 19 games when they take on Al Khor on Friday evening.



Muaither masterclass against Al Wakrah

Phillip Birol’s side moved off the foot of the QSL table with an impressive 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Al Wakrah on Saturday evening. It was only the Stallions fourth win of the season, and it could prove to be a vital one if Muaiter happen to do the impossible and avoid relegation to the Qatar Gas League.

Muaither set up perfectly against Al Wakrah, conceding possession and looking to take the Blue Waves on the counter attack. The game plan certainly worked out, with Muaither scoring two of their goals on their rare forays forward thanks to January signing N'Guessan Yessoh who now has three goals in two starts for his new side. Muaither will now be targeting another win to further aid their survival chances when they take on Al Arabi in round 19, a side that they defeated in the first half of the season.

Al Ahli’s upturn continues

Al Ahli continued their upturn in fortunes in 2017 with their third straight victory in the league over a gritty Al Khor side on Friday evening. Qatari midfielder Younes Ali was the hero for the brigadiers with a supurb first half strike to settle matters for Yusef Adams side.

Ahli will now be looking to maintain winning ways when they take on another in-form side in Al Rayyan, in what promises to be the standout match of round 19.