Al Gharafa’s Saud Mohamed al-Khaliqi (left) celebrates after scoring against Al Ahli during their QSL match yesterday. His effort was in vain though as Al Ahli equalised through Mulota Kabangu in the 1-1 draw. (Below) Action from the match between Al Arabi (red) and El Jaish. Pictures: Noushad Thekkayil
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Mulota Kabangu scored on his first appearance to help Al Ahli clinch a 1-1 draw against Al Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League yesterday.
Al Gharafa, who hired Brazilian great Zico as coach as part of the ambitious plans to restore their standing in local football after a couple of lacklustre seasons, looked the better side but failed to convert many of the opportunities that came their way.
The former champions, however, went ahead in the 16th minute through Saud Mohamed al-Khaliqi who easily found the net with a thundering volley from less than 10 yards.
Al-Khaliqi’s effort came immediately after Moayad Hassan had missed a sitter for Al Gharafa, aimlessly shooting the ball wide off target from just inside the penalty area after Nene had done most of the spadework and passed to him.
Al Ahli, who are playing in the QSL by virtue of being the Second Division champions last season, matched Al Gharafa in all departments of the game, but couldn’t get their coordination right going forward.
And it was left to Congolese pro Kabangu to restore parity for Al Ahli midway through the second session, the flamboyant winger with dyed orange hair slotting the ball home from close range.
Meanwhile, strong contenders El Jaish, chasing their first QSL title, had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Al Arabi.
Al Arabi, another team looking to come out of a long spell of mediocrity, took the lead through their Venezuelan pro Jesus Meza following a defensive lapse by El Jaish.
Mohamed Muntari then restored parity for El Jaish with a second half strike.
The first day of the QSL on Friday saw defending champions Al Sadd make a winning start, beating Al Rayyan 1-0.