Mitrovic Scores On Debut But Al Rayyan Held By Qatar SC, Al Shamal Maintain Perfect Run

Doha, Qatar: Aleksandar Mitrovic came off the bench to break the deadlock for Al Rayyan in stoppage time, but Qatar SC had the final say as Ali Saoud headed home a dramatic equaliser deep into added time to seal a thrilling 1-1 draw at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium yesterday.

The Serbian star, recently signed from Saudi giants Al Hilal, was introduced on the hour mark by coach Artur Jorge and looked to have sealed all three points when he latched onto a smart through ball from Roger Guedes and fired past the keeper in the 91st minute.

But in the 100th minute, Saoud rose to meet a cross and nodded in the leveller, breaking Al Rayyan hearts.

Despite the draw that broke their three-match winning streak, Qatar SC remained second in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) with 10 points, two behind leaders Al Shamal. Al Rayyan sit fourth with seven points.

The high-tempo clash saw both teams trade attacks throughout. Al Rayyan's Mahmoud Abunada made a spectacular first-half save to deny Said Mohamed Brahmi, while Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez was sent off after receiving his second yellow before the break. An own goal early in the second half was ruled out for offside in the buildup.

“It was a good match, and we were the better side in the first half,” Al Rayyan's Abdulaziz Hatem said after the match.

“But we couldn't convert our dominance and the chances we created into goals and that's something we should have capitalised on.”

“The game was fairly balanced overall. We managed to take the lead in stoppage time, but unfortunately, we conceded the equaliser due to a lapse in concentration during the free-kick that led to their goal.”

Al Shamal edge Al Arabi to extend perfect run

At Al Bayt Stadium, Al Shamal maintained their perfect start to the season, edging Al Arabi 3-2 in a thrilling contest to stay top of the table. Mohammed Al Mannai starred with a brace, scoring the opener in the 32nd minute before adding a third goal for Al Shamal in the 72nd. Baghdad Bounedjah netted from the spot in 64th minute after drawing a foul inside the box. Al Arabi fought hard, with Yazan Al Naimat scoring just before half-time and Jordan Veretout pulling one back late, but the league leaders held on for a well-earned win.

“It was a tough and strong match against a quality opponent, but we managed the game well and deserved the victory,” said Al Shamal coach David Prats.

Al Ahli off the mark with eight-goal thriller

At Al Thumama Stadium, Al Ahli finally got their first win of the season in style after three straight defeats, overcoming Al Wakrah 5-3 in a high-scoring showdown.

After an own goal from Fahad Waad put Al Ahli ahead early, Redouane Berkane equalised for Al Wakrah. Michel Vlap restored the lead with his first of two goals, while Suhaib Gannan and Julian Draxler also found the net for the Brigadiers.

Despite efforts from Amin Zahzouh (penalty) and a second from Berkane, Al Wakrah couldn't keep pace.

“We're happy with the win after a poor start to the season. This gives us momentum for the next matches,” said Al Ahli striker Sekou Yansane.

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