Umm Salal were rewarded for their confidence as they held high-flying Al Rayyan to a 1-1 draw at the Al Gharafa Stadium in Week 10 of the QNB Stars League yesterday.
Rodrigo Tabata put Al Rayyan ahead in the 49th minute, an advantage nullified by Umm Salal’s Mohamed Sayed in the 61st.
Al Rayyan stood second in the standings despite the draw on 25 points, while Umm Salal now have 15 points.
Al Rayyan may have dominated possession and created more chances, but Umm Salal had their share of opportunities. They were a determined lot as if they were hell-bent on arresting their slump in the last three games, which saw them losing two and drawing one.
Tabata led The Lions’ attack even as star striker Abderrazaq Hamdallah had to pull out in the first quarter with a pulled thigh muscle. He was replaced by Mohsine Moutaouli.
Tabata’s free-kick went out in the 24th after hitting the crossbar. He then came up with a long-range volley which Umm Salal goalkeeper Basel Zeidan blocked. Play was largely confined to The Orange Fortress’ area and Sebastian Soria missed a sitter.
Not long after resumption, Soria’s power-packed angular shot was blocked by Umm Salal’s Adil Rhaili at the goal-line and Tabata was on hand to slam home the rebound.
The equaliser came when Sayed headed in Rami Fayez’s cross from the left. Amid flaring tempers, substitute Ismail Mahmoud had a chance to give Umm Salal the lead, but he headed over. So did Tabata who sent his free-kick wide on the stroke of final whistle.
Al Rayyan are away at Al Ahli, while Umm Salal face Al Markhiya next.