Al Shahania shock leaders Al Gharafa in QSL

Doha, Qatar: Mohamed Bader Sayyar scored a brace as Al Shahania resumed the Qatar Stars League (QSL) in emphatic fashion, pulling off a major upset by...

Doha, Qatar: Mohamed Bader Sayyar scored a brace as Al Shahania resumed the Qatar Stars League (QSL) in emphatic fashion, pulling off a major upset by thrashing table-toppers Al Gharafa 3-0 at Al Khor Stadium yesterday.

Al Gharafa came into the match as firm favourites, aiming to extend their four-point lead at the top, but first-half goals from Sayyar and a second-half strike by Lotfi Madjer handed the Pedro Martins’ side only their second defeat of the season from 11 matches.

The loss, which leaves Al Gharafa on 25 points, has added fresh spice to the title race, with Al Shamal, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and Qatar SC all eyeing an opportunity as the league resumed after a break of more than a month and approaches the midway stage. The victory lifted Al Shahania from the bottom of the table to 11th place.

Al Shahania's Mohamed Bader Sayyar celebrates after scoring a goal against Al Gharafa.

The Cheetahs fell behind as early as the fourth minute when Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar failed to deal with a cross from Pelle van Amersfoort on the right, allowing Sayyar to stretch in and tap home from close range.