Doha, Qatar – Al Shamal significantly closed the gap on league leaders Al Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) with a dominant 4-0 victory over Al Shahania on Friday. A second-half brace from substitute Mohamed Al-Mannai propelled Al Shamal to 21 points, intensifying the competition at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Al Arabi secured a resounding 5-1 win against Qatar SC.
The results see Al Shamal now trailing Al Gharafa by just four points, with Al Rayyan in third place two points behind Al Shamal. Qatar SC’s defeat marks their third consecutive loss, impacting their position in the league table. The QSL is set to pause for the FIFA Arab Cup, resuming play on December 27th.
Al Shamal’s Impressive Performance in the QSL
Al Shamal’s victory was built on a strong first-half performance, with goals from Omar Ali in the 12th minute and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 40th. Ali capitalized on a defensive error to open the scoring, while Bounedjah showcased his finishing ability with a precise left-footed strike.
The introduction of Mohamed Al-Mannai in the 57th minute proved pivotal. He scored just four minutes after coming on, assisted by Younes Belhanda, calmly slotting the ball into the left corner. Al-Mannai then doubled his tally in the 64th minute, converting a pass from Omar Mohammed to seal the win.
Al-Mannai on the Victory
“Our players gave everything in a tough match,” Al-Mannai stated after the game. He acknowledged Al Shahania’s competitiveness but emphasized his team’s superior performance on the day. He downplayed title aspirations, stating a focus on taking each match as it comes.
Al Shahania remain at the bottom of the Qatar league table with only four points, trailing Umm Salal and Al Sailiya. Their struggles highlight the competitive nature of the league and the challenges faced by teams at the lower end of the standings.
Al Arabi Dominate Qatar SC
At Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Arabi delivered a commanding performance, defeating Qatar SC 5-1. Pablo Sarabia and Michael Olunga each scored two goals, leading the charge for Al Arabi. Sarabia opened the scoring in the 24th minute, followed by Olunga ten minutes later.
Sarabia added his second goal before halftime, but Qatar SC managed to pull one back through Niall Mason. However, Al Arabi continued their dominance after the break, with Olunga scoring again in the 50th minute and Yazan Al Naimat completing the rout in the 81st minute.
Reaction to Al Arabi’s Win
Al Arabi’s Mrwan Sherif praised his team’s “brilliant” performance, highlighting their preparation and adherence to the coach’s instructions. He also encouraged fans to attend future matches, promising continued dedication from the team. Qatar SC, previously enjoying a strong start to the season, now sit fifth with 17 points.
The win moves Al Arabi to sixth place with 16 points, demonstrating their potential to climb the Qatari football standings. The team’s attacking prowess was on full display, showcasing the quality within their squad.
The QSL will now pause for the FIFA Arab Cup, which runs from December 1st to 18th. The league will resume on December 27th, with teams using the break to regroup and prepare for the second half of the season. The performance of Al Shamal and Al Arabi will be closely watched upon the league’s return, as they aim to challenge for higher positions in the table. The consistency of Qatar SC will also be a key storyline to follow.
