Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Khor scored their first win in the Ooredoo Stars League on Saturday and a famous one as they shocked leaders Al Duhail 2-1 in the Week 11 match played at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Unbelievable scenes unfolded as the home side were beaten emphatically by bottom-placed Al Khor, who registered their first league win of the season.
The Red Knights, however, remain on top of the standings with 25 points (8 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses) while Al Khor after their first win saw their tally move to 7 points (1 win, 4 draws and 6 losses) while still being in 12th position.
Al Sadd and Al Ahli who were involved in a draw are second and third repectively on the table with 22 points each.
Ahmad Hassan Al Mohannadi put Al Khor ahead in the 41st minute before Ruben Semedo doubled the lead in the 47th. Edmilson Junior pulled one back for Al Duhail in the 72nd minute, and they had a chance to equalize in the 84th minute, but Luis Alberto shot his penalty over the bar.
"We played one of our best matches of the season today, even though, on paper, we were not the favourites,” said Al Khor captain Al Mohannadi. "The players, management and coaching staff all played their roles perfectly. The coach trusted the game plan and we managed to capitalise on two or three chances, which was something we struggled with in previous matches. We knew we have to win this match because we are in a precarious position in the league.”
It was a determined display from Al Khor in a classic David vs. Goliath contest, showing they have the mettle to challenge the very best. After fending off several attacks for most of the opening half, Al Khor took the lead minutes before halftime. Captain Al Mohannadi capitalised on a fine pass from Yohan Boli, who had won possession. Al Mohannadi ran past two defenders on the left and threaded the ball through a third defender’s legs. The shot struck the goalkeeper, hit the left post, and barely crossed the line, with al-Mohannadi persistently following up.
The ‘freak’ goal put Al Khor ahead, and they doubled their advantage early in the second half. Semedo produced a stunning header from Sofiane Hanni’s expertly taken free kick from 30 yards. Al Duhail pressed for a comeback but were thwarted repeatedly by Al Khor’s defence. They finally broke through in the 72nd minute when substitute Ismail Mohamed delivered a precise through ball from the right to Edmilson, who slotted it in.
The Red Knights intensified their attacks and earned a penalty when Michael Olunga’s shot struck the hand of Al Khor defender Adil Rhaili inside the box. However, Alberto’s penalty miss proved costly, much to the delight of Al Khor’s coach, Mehdi Nafti, and the team. Fourteen minutes of stoppage time were added on, but Al Khor held firm for their first and famous win of the season.
Al Sadd and Al Ahli share spoils in a 2-2 thriller
Earlier, At the Al Thumama Stadium, Al Sadd and Al Ahli played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Julian Draxler scored both goals for Al Ahli (45+4 and 52nd minutes), while Akram Afif netted twice for Al Sadd (13th and 59th minutes). With the spoils shared, both teams now have 22 points, but Al Sadd are second ahead on goal difference.
Al Ahli hinted at their intentions early when Draxler unleashed a stunning right-footed shot in the third minute, forcing a spectacular save from Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. Al Ahli kept pressing but fell behind in the 13th minute when Akram Afif, assisted by Giovani, delivered a precise right-footed finish into the bottom left corner.
Three minutes later, Al Ahli were awarded a penalty for a foul on Erik Exposito. Despite VAR confirmation, Oumar Sekou struck the left post, leaving the Brigadiers frustrated. Al Ahli started the second half with renewed intensity. Within four minutes of the restart, Draxler equalized with a well-placed left-footed shot into the bottom right corner. By the 52nd minute, Draxler completed his brace with another clinical finish, this time from the left side of the box, assisted by Sekou.
Al Sadd regrouped and found their equaliser in the 59th minute through a moment of magic from Afif. The star forward weaved past multiple defenders and unleashed a sublime right-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner. Both teams seemed content with the draw with neither side taking undue risks in the closing stages.
Al Rayyan beat Qatar SC 2-1
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan beat Qatar SC 2-1 in an at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Both of Al Rayyan’s goals came in the first half through Roger Guedes (sixth minute) and Mahmoud Trezeguet (42nd minute), while Qatar SC’s consolatory goal came from Ahmed Abdel Kader in the 64th minute. Rayyan are seventh with 13 points, while Qatar SC are 11th with 10 points.
On Sunday, Al Wakrah will play Al Shamal, Al Shahania will meet Al Gharafa while Al Arabi will take on Umm Salal.