OSL: Al Duhail’s shock loss intensifies battle for top spot as Al Ahli closes gap

Doha, Qatar: The Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) took a nearly three week break, but not without heating up the battle for the top spot. Friday s round saw...

Doha, Qatar: The Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) took a nearly three-week break, but not without heating up the battle for the top spot. Friday’s round saw bottom-placed Al Shahania end Al Duhail’s perfect run, while Al Ahli closed the gap to just one point after a victory over Al Shamal.

A Pelle van Amersfoort brace in the first half handed Al Shahania their first victory of the season, snapping Al Duhail’s five-match winning streak.

Disappointed at the 2-1 loss in which Michael Olunga scored a 74th minute consolation, coach Christophe Galtier blamed Al Duhail’s “lack of intensity” and “accuracy” for the defeat.

With Al Ahli coming within a touching distance after a 4-2 win over Al Shamal at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Galtier knows the loss could prove costly for his side.                       

“This result is a real blow to our campaign after a good start to the season. We were hoping for a win but ultimately, we have no one to blame but ourselves. We didn’t adhere to our game plan or perform at a level that would have secured us victory in this match,” he had said on Friday.