Expo Stars League: Al-Sadd end first phase as winter champions despite issues
Doha: The first phase of the 2023-24 Expo Stars League concluded on Saturday at the end of Week 11, although there are a few postponed games yet to be played. Al-Sadd, one of the teams with games in hand, topped the standings going into the next phase, despite a turbulent first half of the season, defined by coaching changes, injury problems, and of course, another disappointing Asian campaign.
Let’s take a look at this week’s games with a focus on the big one:
Al-Sadd clinch Qatar Clasico to finish first phase on top
In the highly-anticipated match of the week – the Qatar Clasico – Al Sadd recorded a huge 4-0 victory over Al Rayyan. Baghdad Bounedjah’s hat-trick (46′, 75′, 83′) and Gonzalo Plata’s quick free kick (53′) gave them the big win over their fierce rivals, who were down to ten men early on after Rodrigo Moreno’s red card in the tenth minute.
Despite how the scoreline looked at the end, the first half was not a one-sided affair. Al-Rayyan had their share of chances despite the numerical disadvantage, but Meshaal Barsham’s prowess kept them at bay.
The second half was a completely different story, with the introduction of Hassan Al Haydos after the break paving the way for Al-Sadd, and the captain played a crucial role in setting up Bounedjah’s opening goal (46′) just moments after coming on.
Plata’s quick thinking from a free-kick outside the box doubled Al Sadd’s lead (53′), although it provoked a furious response from Al-Rayyan, as keeper Fahad Younis was still arranging his wall when the Ecuadorian took the shot.
Al-Sadd’s relentless pressure on their opponents continued continued and Bounedjah netted his second (75′) with a low shot through a host of defenders, before completing his hat-trick (83′) by connecting with Afif’s cross. Despite VAR scrutiny on the latter goal, it stood. Bounedjah, the star of the night, left to a standing ovation in the 89th minute, when he was replaced by the young Ahmed Al-Saeed.
The result saw Al-Sadd bounce back after their disappointing midweek Asian exit, and they ended the first phase of the league on top of the table with the unofficial tag of ‘Winter Champions’, one point ahead of second-placed Al-Gharafa, who have played two more games.
Meanwhile, Al-Rayyan have been reeling with a difficult run of results recently, having began the campaign rather well under Leonardo Jardim. The Lions are in fourth place at the end of the first phase with 19 points, but fifth placed Al-Duhail, the reigning champions, are just two points behind with two games in hand.
Al-Wakrah bounce back, while Al-Duhail & Al-Gharafa continue to falter
Youssef Msakni’s strike in the ninth and final minute of stoppage time secured a point for Al-Arabi, denying Muaither what would have been a memorable win. Goals from Denis Alibec and Mohammed Salah El Neel had seen Muaither take the lead, after Rafinha had first broken the deadlock for Al-Arabi. Despite snatching a point, the result will feel like a defeat for Younes Ali’s Al-Arabi.
After two games without a win, Al-Wakrah did well to come from behind and record a 3-2 victory over Al-Ahli. Al-Ahli took the lead through Sekou Yansane’s penalty, but Al-Wakrah to hit back through a brace from Mohammed Benyettou and a goal from Ayoub Assal. Amin Thihi’s 92nd minute effort reduced the deficit; it proved to be only a consolation for Al-Ahli. The Blue Wave move up to third place, ahead of a big clash against Al-Duhail next week – coach Tintin Marquez’s last game before he takes over the national team.
Al-Markhiya’s winless run, stretching back to October, continues and they remain bottom of the league, after a 1-1 draw with Umm Salal. Marouane Louadni’s own goal put Al-Markhiya ahead, but Oussama Tannane’s superb 25-yard strike levelled the scoreline. No more goals followed, and it’s a repeat of Umm Salal’s erratic form in this season so far. However, the club is still within touching distance of the top four.
Al-Gharafa wasted their chance to end the first phase on top, after being denied all three points by Al-Shamal. Yohan Boli’s 43rd-minute header seemed to have secured victory for Al-Gharafa, only for a dramatic Ricardo Gomes penalty in stoppage time (90+4′) to spoil their plans. The result leaves Al-Gharafa second in the table, while Al-Shamal remain in ninth place.
20-year-old Suhaib Gannan scored his first league goal for Al-Duhail, but his side could not capitalise on the opener, against Qatar SC. After Suhaib’s 19th minute goal, a frustrating encounter ensued with Al-Duhail missing several chances while Qatar remained defiant and dangerous at the same time. Kim Moon-hwan’s 72nd minute dismissal complicated things for Al-Duhail, and Qatar duly equalised with a sumptuous back-heel strike from Eissa Ahmed in the 80th minute. The draw sees the reigning champions remain in fifth place, with two games in hand, while Qatar are in the eighth position.