The Qatar Stars League kicked back into life on Thursday, with 2016/17’s opening round.
Here is a collection of the early highlights:
Poignant start for Ahli
But this wasn’t the only thing on their minds. The players unveiled a banner before kick-off in tribute to analyst Sam Alger, who suddenly passed away during the summer.
The Brigadier came from a goal behind, and looked strong on the break. All four of their goals came with the side breaking at pace, and taking advantage of Al Gharafa’s defensive mistakes.
DR Congo star Firmin Mubele and Qatar international Meshal Abdulla linked up to devastating effect on an emotional evening.
Big four show intent
Last season’s top-four sides started the 2016/2017 season in impressive style, with comprehensive wins. Al Rayyan, last season’s QSL champions, set down a marker with a 3-0 win over newly promoted Al Shahania. Talismanic captain Rodrigo Tabata was the star of the show, grabbing an impressive hat-trick.
Likewise Al Sadd and Lekhwiya registered 4-0 home wins over Al Kharaitiyat and Muaither. El Jaish, fresh from their exploits in the AFC Champions League against Al Nasr, had to endure a nervy final 15 to register a 2-1 win over Al Wakrah.
Pain for promoted sides
Life in the QSL couldn’t get much worse for the newly-promoted sides Al Shahania and Muaither.
Al Shahania did enjoy a strong first-half performance, before being brushed aside by Rayyan.
But Muaither endured a torrid time against Lekhwiya. More pressing perhaps for head coach Phillipe Birol is the fact that Lekhwiya enjoyed 63-per cent possession.
Both sides will be looking to immediately make amends in round two, when they face each other at Al Arabi Stadium.