Al-Jassem shines in Qatar SC win; Wakrah held by Markhiya

Abdulrahman al-Jassem struck the winner as Qatar SC edged Al Shamal in the QNB Stars League at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday.
Al-Jassem scored in the 42nd minute after an assist from Anthony Okpotu as Qatar SC moved to sixth on the table with seven points. Shamal dropped a place below Qatar SC with six points. The match was of particular importance to both teams following their losses in the last round.
Earlier, Al Wakrah settled for a goalless draw with Al Markhiya to keep their unbeaten record intact in the QNB Stars League at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Wakrah missed the chance to go top of the table at least temporarily and Wakrah now are a point behind leaders Al Arabi, who play Al Duhail tomorrow. Markhiya, meanwhile are eighth with five points.
“We were expecting a tough fight from Al Markhiya but we were targeting a win to maintain the momentum,” said Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez. “We will work harder after this draw and come back with more determination,” he added.
Promoted side Markhiya, who started off by defeating reigning champions Al Sadd in the opening round, once again proved to be the surprise package. They made it to this season’s by virtue of being the second division champions.
Wakrah have been playing a wonderful attacking game, having scored 12 goals in four matches with their prominent star Jacinto Dala being the top scorer in the league (six goals). But all that did not work against a resolute Markhiya defence.
On to the game, Markhiya started the attack as Driss Fettouhi, after a quick move through the left by Jamil al-Yahmadi, tested the Wakrah defence. Wakrah’s Mohamed Benyettou responded with a move, but goalkeeper Louay Ashour was in the right place to thwart it.
In the last moments of first half, referee awarded a penalty kick to Al Markhiya, but after referring to VAR, the decision was cancelled. In the second half, the excitement continued, as both teams intensified pressure. However, the stalemate continued and the sides shared the spoils.
Al Sadd look to bounce back
After suffering a defeat against Al Gharafa, reigning champions Al Sadd are seeking full points as they meet Al Sailiya at the Education City Stadium today. Sadd, who only have four points from as many games, will be without captain Rodrigo Tabata as he is serving a two-match suspension.
“Each team is different from the other, which makes it a difficult opponent. Al Sailiya are a team with a lot of courage and energy. We will fight the match with full force in order to achieve victory and compensate for our last loss against Al Gharafa,” said Sadd coach Juan Manuel Lillo.
“We know (Rodrigo) Tabata’s level and how important he is not only to Al Sadd, but to any other team. But we cannot hide behind his absence, but it is clear that he is an important player and has lots of experience.”
“We are developing from one game to another and the players are doing a great job during training and at the matches. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves and we will play to win every match,” the coach added.
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan will be looking to end their four-match losing streak against Umm Salal at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Umm Salal will go into the match at the back of a victory against Al Sailiya, hoping to clinch their second consecutive victory.