Qatar Sports Club on top
Qatar SC's Sebastian Soria opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but Al Khor soon attained parity through an Alan Bahia penalty (31st min). However Qatar's Brazilian forward Marcinho Marcio Oliveira increased the lead for the home side just a minute away from half-time.
If one expected the two sides to start the second half cautiously, they were in for a pleasant surprise. Although both teams played a fast-paced attacking game, it was Qatar SC who scored the next two goals. Qatar's Iraqi midfielder Qusai Muneer (3-1) and Sebastian Soria (4-1) increased the lead for the home side in the 49th and 70th minutes respectively.
Al Khor hit back twice in six minutes, through Ribero and Alan Bahia in the 76th and 80th minutes, to make it 4-3. However they paid the price for a moment's distraction while pushing for an equaliser. Qatar SC's Ivorian forward Dibi Lacina, who was left unmarked, finished the proceedings with a fine strike (5-3).
Umm Salal, who entered the semifinals of the AFC Champions League last year, scored a tough come-from behind victory against Al Wakra. The game was also interesting as it was Al Wakra captain Aziz ben Askar's first game against his former club. The Moroccan was at his best, but Umm Salal seemed the fitter team on field.
Al Wakra's Moroccan forward Youness Hawassi put them ahead in the 24th minute. They stoutly defended the lead, but could not deny Dhahi Al Noobi from equalising in the 46th minute. With little warning, Brazilian Davi Jose Silva produced his magic to score the winner (85th).
The forward has changed tremendously in his second season with the club. He has become more aggressive, which bodes well for the side. Umm Salal has great potential and this could be their season.
Al Arabi, who won the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup tournament, overcame minnows Al Kharaitiyat 2-0. To their credit, Kharaitiyat put up a valiant show in the first half and denied their fancied opponents a chance to score until the 55th minute. Leonardo Pisculichi, one of the few Argentinians playing in the Qatar Stars League, scored the opening goal in the 52nd while Waleed Hamza scored the second (86th).
Brazilian Klemerson De Araugo (13th) and Iraqi Younis Mahmoud (23th) helped defending champions Al Gharafa overcome newcomers Lakhwiya. They will however have to toil hard if they are to entertain hopes of winning the Qatar Stars League for the third time in a row.
In other games, Al Sadd defeated Al Sailiya 1-0 while Emir's Cup winners Al Rayyan scored a 2-0 win over Al Ahli.
RESULTS
Al Arabi 2 Al Kharaitiyat 0
Qatar SC 5 Al Khor 3
Umm Salal 2 Al Wakra 1
Al Sadd 1 Al Sailiya 0
Al Gharafa 2 Lakhwiya 0
Al Rayyan 2 Al Ahli 0
Taita T.S
Previous Qatar Stars League Results
World Cup Posters
Some recommendations for accommodation in Qatar include the following properties.
The Mandarin Oriental is a five-star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.
Located in West Bay, the Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach, is also a five-star property. Offering a beachfront stay, the luxury hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace.
Lighter on the budget is La Villa Hotel with two stars, the pleasant property is located in the heart of the Gold Souk.
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