(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
DOHA: Al Sadd continued to breathe down Al Duhail's neck in the QNB Stars League (QSL) title race with a 3-1 win over hosts Qatar SC yesterday.
Xavi Hernandez (24th), Hassan Ahmed (43rd) and Hamed Ismail (45+2) scored Al Sadd's goals. Qatar SC had surged ahead as early as the third minute through Omar Al Emadi.
Omar found the mark taking advantage of confusion among the Al Sadd defenders, who had not even settled down. Xavi equalised for Al Sadd with a well-taken free-kick that left goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail and defender Ibrahim Gamal rooted on the goalline. The execution reflected Xavi's experience and expertise.
Qatar SC fought a spirited battle in the first half even though Al Sadd enjoyed more possession. The Kings missed injured Brazilian striker Patrick Fabiano and Ali Jassemi and, understandably, their attack lacked teeth.
Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez, making his debut for Qatar SC after captaining Al Gharafa in the first phase of league campaign, came close to scoring after 39 minutes just before Hassan Al Haydous' shot was collected by Al Hail. Qatar SC defence fell flat close to half-time when Hassan Ahmed gave a nice finish to Abdelkarim Hassan's dipping cross from the left.
They conceded for one more time in the first half as Hamed's lob from far right landed in the goal over the head of Al Hail.
Earlier, Al Gharafa got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over hosts Al Khor.
Wesley Sneijder (23rd) and Muad Hassan (33rd) scored for Al Gharafa. Al Khor's reply came through Madson in the 83rd.
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