(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
Baghdad Bounedjah scored a goal and set up another as Al Sadd beat 2-1 Al Sailiya in the QNB Stars League at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday.
The reigning champions, who continue to miss their star Qatar internationals away on national camp, moved to fifth in the table with seven points.
Sadd went into lead after Andre Ayew struck in the 17th minute after receiving a pass from Bounedjah. Sailiya levelled things up as Sergio Carlos scored in the stoppage time of first half. However, Bounedjah came to the rescue for Sadd after the Algerian striker's sublime strike beat Sailiya goalkeeper Amine Lecomte-Addani.
Sadd breathed a sigh of relief when goalkeeper Ivanildo saved a penalty off Sailiya's Ioannis Fetfatzidis in the 87th minute. The Wolves also had a Bounedjah goal ruled out in the fourth minute and a penalty decision was also overturned in eventful game.
Al Rayyan pick up first point of season
Earlier, Al Rayyan picked up their first point of the season after playing a goalless draw with Umm Salal at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The Lions brought their four-game losing streak to an end but suffered another injury blow as Ahmed Yasser suffered a horrific ankle injury in the 55th minute, which may rule him out for months. Khaled Ali too pulled up a cramp at a crucial juncture, but recovered soon to carry on and played an important role though the chances created could not be converted.
Rayyan remain bottom of the table with a solitary point, while Umm Salal are 10th with five points from as many games. Rayyan would surely reflect on their best chance of the evening which came in the 13th minute when Steven Nzonzi's header off a corner kick hit the left post and flew away.
Rayyan pushed harder in the second half and came close to scoring, but the scoring strike remained elusive. In the 70th minute, Tameem Mansour made a good strike from inside the box, but Umm Salal goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar made a very good save flying to his right. Minutes later, Tameem made a good cross in front of the goal, but the ball was too far for Mekki Mohsen to connect. Umm Salal too had their chances, the closest being in the 35th minute when Abdulrahman Raafat connected a header, but the ball went just wide of the left post.
Umm Salal captain Jonathan Kodjia worked very hard creating openings and strikers Joao Teixera and Sardor Rashidov kept lurching, but the Rayyan defence held up well with some good markings.
Al Duhail test for
leaders Al Arabi
Leaders Arabi will face their biggest test of the season when they take on former champions Al Duhail at the Khalifa International Stadium. Arabi have won all their four matches so far and enjoy a one-point lead over Al Wakrah. A win today against Duhail, will give them a firm advantage. Duhail, on the other hand, are fifth with seven points.
Arabi Coach Younes Ali said:“The importance of the match for us lies in the three points,” Younes said.“It'll be a difficult match against difficult opponents who've regained their level after the first two rounds and are constantly improving, but my players are fully prepared,” he added.
In another match today, Al Ahli take on Al Gharafa at the Al Thumama Stadium. Both teams have seven points and occupy the third and fourth positions.“Gharafa are a strong side but I trust the abilities of my players to provide the best technical levels against any team. Our players will give everything they have on the field to achieve good results,” said Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic.
Gharafa are fresh from their win over Al Sadd.“We needed that win to raise the morale of our players,” said Cheetahs' coach Andrea Stramaccioni.“We hope to maintain that winning mentality and the Ahli game will be an indicator of our level,” he added.
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