Doha: Reigning champions Al Sadd registered their first victory of the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) season, thrashing Qatar SC 5-1 following a second-half onslaught at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. Al Arabi and Al Wakrah remained without a win after both shared points following a pulsating 1-1 draw in other match yesterday. Al Sadd, who were shocked by Al Shamal in their opening match, were leveled 1-1 at half-time after Qatar SC’s Javier Martinez cancelled out Rafa Mujica’s second-minute strike with a fine hit following a 14th minute corner.
Al Sadd completely looked a different side after the break as they regained the lead with a stunning goal from Mohammed Waad, who smashed a powerful shot into the right corner from around 20 yards outside the box in 48th minute. The Wolves continued to hunt for goals and extended their lead six minutes later with Boualem Khoukhi netting their third goal with a left-footed strike after Hashim Ali’s superb cross from the left. Mujica completed his brace picking a brilliant through pass from substitute Yusuf Abdurisag as he broke into the penalty area to beat goalkeeper Motasem Albustami with a powerful hit from a close range, two minutes before time.
An own-goal by Moattaz Bostami in the fifth minute of stoppage time wrapped up a dominant victory for the defending champions. “We could have taken a comfortable lead in the first half but we missed some good opportunities. We were better in the second half and availed our.