Al Sadd look to seal 2nd successive title

Defending champions Al Sadd will be looking to seal their second successive QNB Stars League (QSL) title with a victory over Al Ahli in their Round 19 clash on Monday.
Al Sadd, who have 49 points from 17 matches with an unbeaten run, will take an unassailable lead over their closest rivals Al Duhail, if they beat the Brigadiers on their home turf.
The Red Knights, who will play Qatar SC today, have 39 points from 18 matches.
“We know it’s an important game for us. With the three points we can achieve something really special and we are full of motivation to do it,” Al Sadd coach Xavi Gracia said yesterday.
A win today is enough for the Wolves to clinch their 16th QSL title.
“This is something very special for all the players. They worked hard for a long time and this is the moment to receive recognition for this work and to enjoy with the trophy,” Gracia said.
Asked about his message to the fans of Al Sadd, the coach said: “For the fans I would like to thank them because they supported us a lot and maybe in the next game we can offer them this title.”
“I would like to enjoy this game with all of them and then enjoy at the end of the game as well.”
Al Sadd striker Akram Afif said the team is fully focused on sealing the 22-round league title today.
“Al Ahli match will be very difficult because it could decide the title. Al Ahli is going through a good period, better than at the beginning of the season, and we will try to create a surprise in this match.”
“We are only focused on ourselves, in order to achieve victory and get the three points we need.”
He added: “We are going into the game with full force in order to secure the championship and not wait for the next round. We also want to break records for our club.”
Al Ahli are seventh on the table with 23 points from 18 matches, with coach Nebojsa Jovovic eyeing a strong performance against The Wolves.
“We presented strong and distinguished levels in the past rounds of the league, but in football the lesson is not about what you have done, but rather what you will do in the matches. We are working to prepare the team to be a strong competitor on the field against Al Sadd,” said Jovovic.
“The team’s display in the recent matches was wonderful, which gives more confidence and we must work better in order to continue the positive results that satisfy our ambitions,” he said.

Al Wakrah beat 10-man Al Gharafa, Al Shamal win
Al Wakrah claimed a 3-2 victory over Al Gharafa in their crucial Round 19 clash at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium, yesterday. Sofiane Hanni put Al Gharafa ahead with a fourth minute goal while Al Wakrah responded with a strike from Mohamed Benyettou in the 23rd minute.
Gelson Dela scored goals in the 60th and the 70th minute after Al Gharafa were reduced to 10 men following a red card to Amro Surag in the 54th minute.
Al Gharafa were only able to reduce the lead when Abdullah Ali Saei scored in 90+4 minutes.
With the win, Al Wakrah consolidated their third spot with 34 points, while Al Gharafa stayed fifth with 27 points.
Earlier, Al Shamal defeated Al Khor 1-0 after a 56th minute strike from defender Matias Nani.
Al Shamal got three valuable points and raised their tally to 16 points with their fourth victory, while Al Khor stayed on 12 points with their ninth defeat.