Doha [Qatar], February 5: Umm Salal stunned a nine-man Al Duhail 2-1 at the Al Khor Stadium in the Doha Bank Stars League Week 15 game on Wednesday to revive their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Bottom-placed Umm Salal struck through Antonio Mance (45+4) and Naim Al Aidouni (72), while Bassam Al Rawi had equalised for Al Duhail in the 51st minute.
The win lifted Umm Salal to 12 points and temporarily moved them off the bottom, while last season's runners-up Al Duhail remain sixth and could slip further depending on other results this week.
Al Duhail's troubles began early when Luis Martin was sent off in the sixth minute for a reckless challenge on Ahmed Abdel Maqsoud. Umm Salal were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute after Salah Zakaria fouled Osama Tannane, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving the spot-kick.
The situation worsened for Al Duhail when Benjamin Bourigeaud received a red card in the 37th minute following a tackle on Abdou Diallo, leaving his side with nine men. Umm Salal capitalized just before half-time as Cristo's cross was turned in by Mance.
Al Duhail briefly fought back after the break when Al Rawi levelled from a direct free-kick, but Umm Salal regained the lead when Al Aidouni headed home from a corner. Despite late pressure, Umm Salal held on for a crucial victory.
Al Sadd meet
Al Shahania today
On Thursday, reigning champions Al Sadd return to action against Al Shahania at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, seeking revenge after a 1-0 defeat in the first-leg meeting. Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini said his team must remain fully focused.
"Every match is a real challenge for us. Al Shahania beat us earlier this season, so we need to give our best," the Italian said, urging his players to keep their focus in the title race.
Shahania assistant coach Pejman Montazeri acknowledged the difficulty of facing a star-studded Al Sadd side but said his team aims for a positive result to improve their league position. He added that the team is working to address lapses in morale after conceding early goals following their disappointing result against Al Wakrah.
Meanwhile, leaders Al Gharafa face Al Sailiya at Grand Hamad Stadium. Gharafa will be eager to bounce back from their 3-1 loss to Al Sadd, while Al Sailiya aim to continue climbing the table after a goalless draw with Al Shamal.
Gharafa coach Pedro Martins backed his players to respond strongly, saying the team will fight to remain in the title race. Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zein stressed respect for their opponents and confirmed several absences, including Younes Belhanda, but expressed confidence in his squad's ability to execute the game plan.
Fixtures
Thursday: Al Sadd vs Al Shahania - Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (5.45pm); Al Sailiya vs Al Gharafa - Grand Hamad Stadium (5.45pm); Al Arabi vs Al Shamal - Al Thumama Stadium (7.45pm)
Friday: Al Wakrah vs Al Ahli - Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium (5.45pm); Qatar SC vs Al Rayyan - Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (7.45pm).
Source: Qatar Tribune
