QSL
Promoted side Al Markhiya defeated Al Sadd 4-3 in the first round of 2022-2023 Qatar Stars League at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
Jugurtha Hamroun (45+1 minute), Aymen Hussein (50th and 79th minutes) and Ali Saeed Al Mohannadi (81st minute) scored the goals for Al Markhiya, while reigning champions Al Sadd scored through Rodrigo Tabata (fifth minute), Baghdad Bounedjah (37th minute) and Santi Cazorla (90+2 minute).
The match was off to a fast start and Al Sadd managed to take an early lead through Tabata, who managed to send in a free-kick from outside the penalty area into the Al Markhiya net.
Al Markhiya’s Ali Saeed made an attempt in the 22nd minute with a shot, which was narrowly saved by Al Sadd goalkeeper Jehad Mohammed. However, the enthusiasm of Al Markhiya players increased, who continued to put pressure on Al Sadd’s goal.
Bounedjah succeeded in doubling Al Sadd’s lead, after Ahmed Al Saeed’s cross from the left, beating Al Markhiya goalkeeper Louay Sharif and the goal was confirmed through VAR technology.
The last minutes of the first half witnessed the peak of excitement and Hamroun reduced the margin in injury time.