Qatar- Al Rayyan beat Al Wakrah 1-0 to keep title hopes alive

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Al Rayyan beat Al Wakrah 1-0 with a late winner in their QNB Stars League match at the Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Al Rayyan thus kept their title ambitions well and truly alive. The only goal of the game was scored by Yacine Brahimi in the 90th minute. Al Rayyan moved on to 25 points, while Al Wakrah remained on 12. 
Following an extended break from the QNB Stars League, both sides were cautious in their approach to the opening stages and were unable to fashion too many chances.
Al Rayyan showed positive signs as they sought a breakthrough but a resolute defensive performance by Al Wakrah limited The Lions to long-range efforts in the first half. Rodrigo Tabata first tried his luck as he skipped past the opposition, but his shot flew high over the bar. Abdelaziz Hatem also attempted from distance, but his low drive raced marginally past the outside of the post.
The second half was equally tight as Al Wakrah continued their impressive defensive performance ,but thought they had fallen behind at the midway point when Franck Kom scored. Fortune was on their side as Kom's excellent turn and shot in the penalty area was disallowed when the referee spotted an infringement in the build-up.
In spite of a superb defensive display from Al Wakrah, they were unable to finish the job as they came undone by a piece of creative genius in the final moments of the game. Al Rayyan won a free-kick out wide on the right side of the penalty area and, with perfect vision, Tabata deceived the defence by pulling the ball back to Brahimi who curled a marvelous right-footed strike into the far corner of the goal. 


Qatar SC 1 Al Arabi 1
Qatar SC and Al Arabi played out a 1-1 draw in Week 11 of the QNB Stars League at the Qatar SC Stadium yesterday.
Hamdi Harbaoui took Al Arabi ahead in the 14th minute, a lead that was neutralised by Qatar SC through Kayke Rodriguez in the 25th minute.
Al Arabi now have 15 points and Qatar SC 13. Qatar SC had completed a hat-trick of victories before the QNB Stars League took a long break.
Al Arabi have played one match less as their game against Al Sadd was deferred due to the latter's AFC Champions League commitment.
Possession was almost even in the first half and the match lived up to its billing. Al Arabi surged ahead through Harbaoui, who headed in a free-kick by Marc Martinez from the right. Kayke drew level for Qatar SC as he nodded home Nasir Abbas' cross from the right.
Qatar SC played with one man less from the 19th minute when Eisa Ahmed was red-carded by referee Nayef al-Kadiri for a foul on Abdullah Issa.
Qatar SC's Sardor Rashidov made a couple of forays after restart. The Uzbek hit the side netting in the 49th minute and fumbled a chance in the 58th minute. At the other end, Harbaoui headed wide from close with only goalkeeper Jassim al-Hail in front, after Abdullah Marafy sent a cross.
In the first match of the day Al Sailiya defeated Umm Salal 2-0 at the Qatar SC Stadium yesterday. 
Meanwhile,  Al Gharafa face Al Sadd  today. The kick-off is at 19:20 at the Al Gharafa Stadium. The battle between two heavyweights highlights the Week 11 action. That both teams are in the top four adds spice to it. Not to mention the star-studded line-ups!
Al Gharafa are third with 20 points (six wins, two draws and as many defeats). The Cheetah's goal difference is +9 (20 goals for and 11 against). Reigning champions Al Sadd are placed fourth with 15 points (five wins and three defeats with no draws).

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