Al Gharafa regain league title after a gap of seven years

*Gharafa defeated double defending champions Shamal in the final for their 2nd title

Abdulrahman Saad had adream to win the Qatarbasketball league titlewith Al Gharafa and hefulfilled that Sunday at theirhome court.

At the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall,Saad powered Al Gharafa to stundouble defending champions AlShamal 89-71 in the final of theQatar Men’s League and regainthe title after a gap of seven years.

“I am very happy to win. Itwas my dream to lift the leaguefor Al Gharafa. We have a greatset of players and we have combined well throughout the tournament. I hope we will continueour winning streak in the othertournaments also,” said Saad,who was declared the Player ofthe Tournament.

The Qatar international, whohas grown up with Gharafa, wasa 17-year-old when his club wontheir first Qatar league title. Although a part of that team, hedid not play an important role intheir maiden triumph in 2014.However, last year, he captained Gharafa to the league final, but they failed to go the fulldistance.

Gharafa coach KoussayHatem, who has seen Saad develop as a top international player at the club, lauded his efforts.“I am very happy for Abdulrahman. He has always given his100 percent for the club and Ithink he deserves more of it,” thelong-serving Iraqi coach said.

Al Gharafa’s American starFranklin Session was the topscorer of the match with 24points, while Al Shamal’s Lebanese player Wael Arkaji scored21 points. Earlier in the day, AlArabi defeated Al Sadd 82-70to clinch the third place in theleague. Vasileiadis Konstantinosscored 21 points for the winner,while Majok Ater scored matchhigh 25 points for the losers. OnSaturday, Qatar Cup championsAl Wakrah defeated Al Khor 72-56to finish fifth. Senegal star Ousseynou Mbow was the lead scorerwith 21 points for the winners. Julius Coles also scored 17 points.