Sailiya continue run with thrilling win over Gharafa

Al Sailiya continued their winning run by beating hosts Al Gharafa 3-2 in a Round 8 thriller of the QNB Stars League yesterday.
Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov (61st-minute penalty), Nadir Belhadj (72nd) and Mohamed Mudhater (90th) scored for Al Sailiya, while Othman al-Yahri (68th) and Ahmed Alaeldin (85th) found the target for Al Sailiya.
The Peregrines took their points tally to 18 with sixth victory, while The Cheetahs stayed on seven with one win and four draws.
After Mudhater struck home what turned out to be the winner in the last minute, al-Yahri almost hit again for Al Gharafa in virtually the last kick of the match, but for a diving save by the rival goalkeeper.
Al Sailiya played an attacking game from the word go, while Al Gharafa were defensive. Al Sailiya had much more ball possession and showed purpose in their attacks, with Abdukholiqov and Valentin Lazar taking the initiative.
Al Sailiya are next up against Al Khor and Al Gharafa run into Al Rayyan.

Madson strikes late for Khor
Al Khor secured a vital 2-1 away win against hosts Qatar SC, thanks to a late penalty from Madson. The result meant new coach Nassif al-Bayawi picked up his first league win in charge of The Knights.
The game got off to a spectacular start, thanks to a stunning Soroush Hussein volley. The ball was headed clear by a Qatar SC defender, but dropped just outside area and Soroush was on hand to fire a 25-yard volley into the corner.
Parity was quickly restored as Al Khor were adjudged to have fouled from a corner resulting in a penalty to the home side. Brazilian midfielder Bruno Gallo stepped up to calmly strike the ball to the goalkeeper’s left.
Late into the second half, referee awarded a penalty to Al Khor following a foul on Naif Mubarak. It was Madson who, with all the composure in the world, struck his shot to the goalkeeper’s right.

Meshaal again to Ahli’s rescue
Al Ahli sealed full points from their game by overcoming a resolute Al Markhiya at the Al Arabi Stadium. It was captain Meshaal Abdulla who made the difference midway through the second half.
The first half was a quiet affair, with the teams anxious to maintain a clean sheet and not allowing their adversaries to get on top.
The game’s defining moment did eventually come in the 68th when Meshaal was on hand to pounce on defensive mix-up between the rival keeper and a defender. The ball fell to the much-experienced striker who swept home from close.
The win took Al Ahli to eight points prior to their next match against Al Kharaitiyat. Al Markhiya remained on five points and will hope to get more from Round 9 against Al Arabi.

RESULTS
Al Gharafa              2 Al Sailiya              3
Al Markhiya           0 Al Ahli                    1
Qatar SC                  1 Al Khor                 2