QNB Stars League Week 2 Highlights
The QNB Stars League’s Week 2 saw many thrilling results. The most notable among them was Al Sadd’s 10-1 win over Al Arabi in the Qatar Derby.
The big victory helped Al Sadd stay on top of the standings ahead of defending champions Al Duhail, who too had six points, on goal difference.
The Wolves have a goal difference of +15 as against The Red Knights’ +9.
Algerian ace Baghdad Bounedjah mesmerised with seven goals in Al Sadd’s victory. Akram Afif contributed a brace, while Al Arabi’s Mustafa Abdi scored an own goal. The defender had a small consolation as he gave Al Arabi’s sole reply.
After leading 3-1 at half-time, Al Sadd came back with renewed vigour and slammed seven more past the rivals in the second session. Al Arabi are ninth.
Al Duhail fired six past Al Khor without reply to underline their ambitions to retain the title. In the process, Al Khor suffered their second successive loss and stand last in the table.
High-flying Al Rayyan were held 1-1 by Umm Salal, the former somewhat compensating for their defeat at the hands of Al Sailiya in their opener. Al Rayyan are third with four points, while Umm Salal are 10th with one point.
Al Rayyan could not field their new recruit, Argentinian striker Jonathan Menendez who replaced Mohsine Moutaouli, as his paper works from his old club Independiente were not finished.
Al Gharafa recorded their first win by defeating Al Sailiya 2-1. The Cheetahs, who had lost to Qatar SC in Week 1, are seventh on goal difference, while Al Sailiya stood fourth.
Promoted Al Shahania picked up their first three points with a 1-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat to occupy the eighth spot, while Al Kharaitiyat are 11th.
The week’s action saw a total of 25 goals. Bounedjah emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals. Akram is second on four goals and Al Duhail’s Yousef El Arabi third with three goals.
The players continued to enjoy comfortable playing conditions as the first four weeks’ matches are scheduled to be played only at the air-conditioned Khalifa International Stadium and Al Sadd Stadium.
