Tribune News Network
Doha
Ayoub Assal scored a last-gasp goal as Al Wakrah won 2-0 against Umm Salal in Group B Round 4 match of QSL Cup at the Al Khor Stadium on Saturday.
Assal scored in seven minutes of added time after Moayad Hassan had put The Blue Wave in front in the 24th minute to ensure three wins from three matches for Al Wakrah, resulting in nine points, while Umm Salal, who have played four matches so far, remained on six points.
As expected of a match of its calibre involving two strong teams who were contesting for not just the maximum points but also the outright leadership, the match showcased all excitement and nail-biting action anticipated ahead of the encounter.
After a series of missed opportunities on both sides, Al Wakrah eventually got the opening goal in the 24th minute through Hassan, who was left with the simplest of work of tapping in the ball after excellent football artistry from youthful Yousef El Khatib, who dazzled his way into The Orange Fortress’ final third before releasing a diagonal pass unto the path of his team-mate to finish off.
Al Wakrah continued where they stopped in the second half, with Khaled Mohammed forcing Umm Salal goalkeeper Louay Ashour into making a super save from his 25-yard curling shot in the 48th minute.
Al Shamal-Al Gharafa share spoils
Al Shamal were left to rue a late penalty miss as Al Gharafa shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the two teams’ Round 4 Group B match at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium of Qatar SC on Saturday.
Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar Ndiaye made a superb save in the 85th minute as he dived right and then turned about to stop another kick off the rebound by substitute Mahdi Salem to deny Al Shamal the advantage.
Earlier in the 74th minute, Fabricio Diaz scored from the spot for Al Gharafa to draw parity after Suhaib Gannan had put Al Shamal in the front in the 38th minute.
The solitary point from the result took Al Shamal’s tally to 5 points in third place in the group standings while Al Gharafa with 1 points stay fifth.
