Al Arabi down 10-man Qatar SC; Al Gharafa edge Al Sailiya 2-1 – The Peninsula

Al Arabi down 10-man Qatar SC; Al Gharafa edge Al Sailiya 2-1 – The Peninsula

Al Arabi got off to a winning start to the new QNB Stars League (QSL) season, blanking 10-man Qatar SC 2-0 at the Education City Stadium, yesterday.

Both the Younes Ali side’s goals came in the second half after Sebastian Soria was sent off in the 59th minute following a goalless first half.

Soria, while trying to charge with the ball, had brought down Ahmed Fathi after he was cautioned with a yellow card in the 16th minute for fouling captain Abdulla Al Marafi.

Fathi broke the deadlock after Aaron Salem Boupendza’s hit took goalkeeper Sataa Abdulnaser’s deflection in the 70th minute. Substitute Ibrahem Kalla ended Qatar SC’s hopes of an equaliser with a strike following an assist by Al Marafi in the 90th minute.

The game also marked the QSL debut for Brazilian defender Matheus Jussa, who joined Yousef Safri-coached Qatar SC on loan from Fortaleza.

Action during the match between Al Gharafa and Al Sailiya. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil

In yesterday’s second match, Al Gharafa also bagged full points in their first match of the season after edging Al Sailiya 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Moayad Hassan took Al Gharafa ahead in the 31st minute with a left-footed shot, with Amro Surag doubling the lead