QSL: Mancini off to a winning start with Al Sadd as Al Rayyan climb to second

Doha, Qatar: Roberto Mancini made a winning debut as Al Sadd defeated Al Sailiya 3 1 in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday, with Giovani stealing...

Doha, Qatar: Roberto Mancini made a winning debut as Al Sadd defeated Al Sailiya 3-1 in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday, with Giovani stealing the spotlight - scoring twice, assisting once and later being sent off in a dramatic performance.

Al Rayyan also claimed full points after edging Umm Salal 2-1, climbing to second place on the table with 19 points, six points behind leaders Al Gharafa.

At Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Giovani opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a sharp left-footed strike from just inside the box. The Brazilian then turned provider, setting up Akram Afif to double the lead three minutes into the second half.

Al Sailiya hit back almost immediately through a stunning effort from Adam Ounas, but Giovani restored Al Sadd’s two-goal advantage in the 55th minute with a precise finish into the far corner from the right side of the area.

Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini reacts during the match.