QFA
Al Wakrah were given their greatest test so far this season but came through to beat Muaither 1-0 and retake pole position in the second division league match played at Soud bin Abdulrahman Stadium on Thursday.
Muaither had opportunities to take the lead early in the week 7 fixture, most notably when Mamado Diara found himself in a one-on-one situation with the keeper before watching his low driven shot hit the right goalpost before drifting wide.
The match was heading towards a goalless draw, which on the weighing scale would perhaps have been the most just outcome of all, but Al Wakrah’s prolific striker Nana Bokou ensured the hosts sealed all three points when his close range shot took a slight deflection before hitting the back of the net in the 90th minute.
Al Wakrah have now reached the 15-point mark, leading the pack on goal difference ahead of Muaither.
Meanwhile, Al Markhiya had a frustrating evening as they were held 1-1 by Mesaimeer on Thursday in a match in which they struggled to really get going. That was in spite of scoring inside the first minute of the game through skipper Erick Pereira, who converted from the spot. However, they were undone by Mesaimeer’s Mohammed Al Douni, who’s outside of the box shot proved elusive to keeper Khalid Nseir.
Professional football novices Al Bidda have been the surprise package in the league so far this season, with their 2-0 win over Al Shamal sending them to fifth in the league, one point ahead of Al Shamal who now reside at sixth place.