Al Shahania hold Al Gharafa goalless
Doha: Just a few days back Gharafa had scored six goals past a hapless Al Khor, but on Friday they struggled against Al Shahania and had to be content with a goalless draw.
The result meant Gharafa joined Umm Salal and Al Ahli on 15 points and occupy fifth place on goal difference while Shahania are ninth on 11.
Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff had said about the importance of continuing with their momentum after their crushing victory against Khor, but Gharafa struggled to find any sort of rhythm against a battling Shahania.
Gharafa had to wait for twenty minutes for their first attempt on target and Mehdi Taremi’s goal-bound shot was blocked by an advancing Shahania goalkeeper Amer Ahmad.
Moments later Mesaad Ali’s shot from a tight angle caused a momentary scare for Gharafa goal although Yousuf Hassan seemed to have his post covered.
Gharafa were clearly the better side and Ahmed Alaaeldin’s shot was blocked by his own defender Saied Elhag Eisa.
Minutes later Sneijder tested Amer with a powerful freekick from 30 metres out which was Gharafa’s best effort on goal in the first half and the Shahania keeper had to be at his acrobatic best to stop it.
The game continued in the sedate fashion in the second half as well but Shahania, out of the blue, got a golden chance to take lead when Kesse Amangoua found Saoud Mohammed Al Khallaqi unmarked inside the box with a pinpoint cross. However, the Shahania striker directed his header straight at Hassan in Gharafa goal.
At the other end, Sneijder again tested Shahania defence with another dangerous freekick and Muath Yahya failed to hit the target with his header.
Gharafa tried to bring some urgency into their game towards the end, but Shahania held on for a well-deserved point.