Lekhwiya regained their QSL title in a comfortable 3-1 victory over Al Ahli at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa stadium. Goals on the night from Ismail Mohamad and a brace from Tunisian midfielder Youssef Msakni ensured that the Red Knights lifted their fourth Qatar Stars League shield in six seasons. The tie started at a frantic pace, with the defending champions looking to quash any pre match nerves. Thankfully Ismail found the back of the net sweeping in an Ali Yaha cross for the red knights on the 12th minute to get the party started.
However the party atmosphere didn’t last long as Al Ahli equalized through Mashael Abdulla on the 16th minute. The well worked free kick and subsequent defensive mix up gave the Qatari international a free header from just 6 yards out, which he duly dispatched past Lekhwiya keeper Santos. Much to the joy of Ahli head coach Zlatko Kranjčar.
Lekhwiya quickly sprung back into action, with the dangerous Ismail spurning a golden opportunity high over the bar when he could have easily passed to his team mates.
Eventually the pressure took its toll on Ahli, who were on the back foot for the majority of the first half. Lekhwiya took the lead through the Tunisian Youssef Msakni, who pounced on a poor Ahli clearance to calmly lash the ball into the net (25’).
Lekhwiya went into the break with a 2-1 lead. In the second half Al Ahli came out looking for an equalizer; however they did little to breach the Red Knights defense. An Alain Dioko volley well over the cross bar, the only chance of note for the Brigadiers
Msakni calmed nerves in the 84th minute with a real touch of class and a well-deserved championship clinching goal. The Tunisian international showed a great turn of pace and a few quick step overs to hit a well-placed curling shot that beat Amer Dosari all ends up.
From that point onwards, it was party time for Lekhwiya, who held off the green to secure the QSL title in convincing fashion.
The victory was the Red Knights fourth title in six years, and their first under the stewardship of Danish head coach Michael Laudrup.
Back To Home
