Mitrovic scores on debut but Al Rayyan held by Qatar SC, Al Shamal maintain perfect run

Doha, Qatar: Aleksandar Mitrovic came off the bench to break the deadlock for Al Rayyan in stoppage time, but Qatar SC had the final say as Ali Saoud...

Doha, Qatar: Aleksandar Mitrovic came off the bench to break the deadlock for Al Rayyan in stoppage time, but Qatar SC had the final say as Ali Saoud headed home a dramatic equaliser deep into added time to seal a thrilling 1-1 draw at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium yesterday.

The Serbian star, recently signed from Saudi giants Al Hilal, was introduced on the hour mark by coach Artur Jorge and looked to have sealed all three points when he latched onto a smart through ball from Roger Guedes and fired past the keeper in the 91st minute.

But in the 100th minute, Saoud rose to meet a cross and nodded in the leveller, breaking Al Rayyan hearts.

Despite the draw that broke their three-match winning streak, Qatar SC remained second in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) with 10 points, two behind leaders Al Shamal. Al Rayyan sit fourth with seven points.

The high-tempo clash saw both teams trade attacks throughout. Al Rayyan’s Mahmoud Abunada made a spectacular first-half save to deny Said Mohamed Brahmi, while Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez was sent off after receiving his second yellow before the break. An own goal early in the second half was ruled out for offside in the buildup.