Al Ahli beat leaders Al Gharafa

Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd tightened the Qatar Stars League title race with a 3 1 victory over leaders Al Gharafa in a top of the table clash at Thani bin J...

Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd tightened the Qatar Stars League title race with a 3-1 victory over leaders Al Gharafa in a top-of-the-table clash at Thani bin Jassim Stadium yesterday, closing the gap at the summit of the standings.

The Round 14 encounter saw both sides share possession in a goalless first half despite multiple chances being created.

Upon resumption, Al Sadd struck twice in quick succession with Brazilian Roberto Firmino opening the scoring in the 47th minute. Giovanni Henrique doubled the advantage eight minutes later, putting the visitors firmly in control.

Al Gharafa then responded and reduced the deficit in the 65th minute when Ayoub Al-Alawi found the net, reigniting hopes of a comeback. The League leaders pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but it was Al Sadd who succeeded once again, when Akram Afif slotted home in the 5th minute of stoppage time to confirm crucial three points.

The victory lifted Al Sadd to 29 points, just two points behind Al Gharafa, who remain top with 31.