Bounedjah’s double strike gives Al Sadd win over Al Ahli

DOHA: Reigning champions Al Sadd overcame the disappointment of missing out on a AFC Champions League berth last Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Al Ahli at the Qatar Stars League here on Saturday evening.

Baghdad Bounedjah was at this level best, scoring a double in 23rd and 32nd (penalty) minutes respectively.

Abel Mathias pulled one back in the 48th for Ahli, who stayed on 10 points.

Sadd moved on to 15 points (five wins from six matches while their matches against Al Arabi (Week 5) and Al Khor (Week 7) were deferred.

Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez was happy with the team’s performance, but felt that exhaustion took a toll on the players.

“We played well in the first half and led 2-0. But fatigue affected our performance in the second due to the Champions League game on Tuesday,” said the former Barcelona star.

The win will definitely boost Sadd’s morale following their exit in the Asian competition after losing 6-5 on aggregate to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the semifinal.

Even Xavi acknowledged and said, “I’m happy with this win particularly after the defeat against Hilal in Riyadh.”

Attacking midfielder Nam Tae-Hee, who had a great game aginst Hilal in the AFC competition, was rested as he wasn’t well.

But Sadd still proved to be a tough side as they controlled the game to go into half-time with a two-goal lead.

Bounedjah found the mark through a volley and the Algerian international then converted a penalty after Ahli goalkeeper Ivanildo Rodriguez pulled down Akram Afif inside the box.