Al Sadd hold on to defeat Qatar Sports Club

Al Sadd survived a late scare to register their fourth win of the season defeating Qatar Sports Club 2-1 in an end to end encounter at the Jassim Bin Hamad stadium.

The match sprang into action as Sadd took the lead as early as the  2nd  minute through Brazilian striker Luiz Muriqui, who proved to have an eventful first half for the wolves. His shot from outside of the area took Qatar Sports Club keeper Mohmad Mubark by surprise, hitting the post and nestling into the back of the net. Giving Al Sadd an early 1-0 lead, in fairness the King’s stopper really should have done better to stop the effort.

Muriqui typified Sadd’s dominance in the early stages, with the Brazilian at the heart the action. His all action style also included tracking back to defend for his side. The international break didn’t seem to hinder Sadd, who welcomed back a host of players who represented Qatar in their two wins against the Maldives and China respectively.

Sadd should of doubled their lead though the pacey Muriqui in the 18th minute, however his effort was rightly judged to be offside by the officials. In the same minute, Qatar Sports Club grabbed their first real chance of note with winger Mousa Allaq’s shot easily taken by Sadd keeper Muhannad Hussein.  The half progressed into an interesting back and forth battle. Qatar Sports Club’s South Korean international Han Kook-Young the stand out player in a congested midfield.  

In the 34th minute Sadd could have added to their tally only for the effort from Hassan Al Haydoos to be cleared off the line. Muriqui departed the match after suffering what appeared to be a nasty knock, Hamza Sanhaji replaced him.  Qatar Sports Club held on till the end of the first half, with Al Sadd leading 1-0.

Sadd started the second half with a real determination to double their advantage.  Within minutes Hassan Haydoos hit the post from a tight angle on the 46th minute. The pressure was mounting on Qatar Sports Club, with Hamza Sanhaji drawing a good save with a headed effort on the 48th minute, the resulting corner was skewed wide from Mohammed Kasola.

Sadd eventually broke the Kings resistance on the 53rd minute, Mohammed Kasola was on hand for the second goal heading from a well delivered from Nadir Belhadj freekick. With the tie essentially over Sadd comfortably retained possession of the ball, however the Kings did have a chance to get back into the tie.

On the 65th minute Moucine Iajour blazed over from close range, the Moroccan really should have hit the target for his side. The Kings continued to press for a goal, with the aforementioned Iajour having his effort from a tight angle scrape past the post on the 76th minute. Iajour finally grabbed a well-deserved goal on the 78th minute to give his side a lifeline in the tie. The well placed effort beating Sadd keeper Muhannad Hussein.

Qatar Sports Club grew in confidence with their goal, and immediately placed Sadd under pressure. Moucine Iajour’s pace unsettling the normally solid Sadd defense. Despite a late flourish from Qatar Sport Club, Sadd held on for all three points. The result leaves the Kings without a win in any of their first five matches of the season. They will be hoping to get their first win of the season when they take on Al Ahli in round 6 of the QSL.a