Shahania grab injury time equaliser against Gharafa

An injury-time penalty helped newcomers Al Shahania grab a point against former champions Al Gharafa in thrilling Qatar Stars League (QSL) encounter.
Algerian midfielder Kaled Gourmi dispatched an injury time penalty, sending Al Gharafa goalkeeper Yousef Hassan the wrong way as Al Shahania emerged with a creditable 1-1 draw.
Earlier, striker Mohamed Razzaq curled in an effort from inside the box as Al Gharafa took the lead in the 79th minute.
After a cagey start, Al Gharafa yesterday picked up a bit of momentum in the 20th minute when Johnson Kendrick launched a fierce drive from close range but his powerful shot was quickly blocked by Al Shahania goalkeeper Khalifa al-Dosari. Gharafa upped the ante with a series of attacks however the Shahania back-line remained resolute to thwart the attacks.
 In the 35th minute, Al Gharafa’s Hungaian striker Krisztian Németh swivelled and tried to deflect the ball from close range but Shahania midfielder Abdullah al-Yazidi blocked the ball with a swift challenge.
With Qatar national team coach Jorge Fossati watching the proceedings from the stands, Al Shahania managed to walk off the pitch with a credible 0-0 draw at half time.
In the early minutes of the second half, Al Gharafa’s Almahdi Ali produced a couple of snap-headers in the space of few seconds but on each occasion Al Shahania goalkeeper al-Dosari retained his composure to keep his slate clean.
 In the 64th minute, Shahania midfielder Kaled Gourmi unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of Al Gharafa box but his shot was deflected by a time sliding effort by  new signing Rashid Sumaila.
In the 79th minute, Al Gharafa broke the deadlock with a neat effort by Razzaq. The ever reliable Al Gharafa striker picked up a rebound inside the Al Shahaniya box and clipped the ball above the goalkeeper’s head for a slick finish to the attack.
Not to be denied Shahania where awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Kaled Gourmi stepped up and kept his nerve to slot away the spot kick to give the Oryxes a precious point against Al Gharafa.