Al Yahri double helps Al Gharafa beat Qatar SC

Doha, Qatar: Othman Al Yahiri scored twice in six minutes as Al Gharafa defeated Qatar SC 3-1 in the Qatar Stars League on Saturday.
The win, Gharafa's second in three matches, helped them move to second in the table on seven points, behind Al Arabi only on goal difference, although third-placed Al Sadd have a game in hand.
In the match played at Al Sadd Stadium, Qatar SC took a surprise lead through Sardar Rashidov in the 37th minute.
But Gharafa hit back immediately through Ahmed Alaaeldin (40th) before Al Yahri struck twice in quick succession in the second half to ensure all three points for Gharafa.
Qatar SC have now lost all their opening three games.
Even though Gharafa had plenty of possession inside Qatar SC half at the start, they had to wait until the half-hour mark for their first clear chance, but Sofiane Hanni’s powerful shot was blocked by Almahdi Ali.
Qatar SC forward line failed to put Gharafa defence under pressure in the opening period but Qasim Burhan fumbled Rashidov’s left-footed shot before managing to grab it in the second attempt.
But Qatar SC shocked Gharafa with a beautiful goal and Ahmed Moein’s vision and pass were as telling as Rashidov’s finishing.
Former Qatar Under-19 captain Moein would be slightly disappointed with the progress of his career, but the stylish midfielder undoubtedly possesses special talent, which was evident with the way he picked Rashidov with a beautiful long ball.
Burhan left his area in hope that he would get to the ball first, but Rashidov nutmegged the keeper with a deft touch and found the goal with another.
The lead however did not stay long thanks to Alaaeldin’s opportunistic finish from inside a crowded goal area.
In the 58th, Sofiane had a big chance to put Gharafa ahead when he found himself free inside Qatar SC with only the goalkeeper to beat, but Jassim Al Hail made a terrific save, smothering the ball from the Algerian striker’s feet to keep the scores level.
But Al Hail was totally helpless when Othman Al Yahiri, free inside Qatar SC box, scored Gharafa’s second in the 67th.
After Rashidov missed a sitter to draw level, directing his shot straight at Burhan, Al Yahri showed how it is done when he fired a right-footer into the top corner to make it 3-1 in the 73rd.
Rashidov hit the woodwork with another left-footer before drawing a save from Burhan but the scores remained the same.
Earlier, Al Wakrah defeated Al Shahania 2-0, for their second win in two matches.
Mohamed Benyettou scored both the goals for Wakrah who now have six points.