Doha: Umm Salal and Al Khor played a goalless draw in Week 8 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi club on Saturday.
With the result, Umm Salal increased their points tally to 11, while Al Khor, who are yet to register a win in the new season, managed to move to four points from four draws recorded so far.
Umm Salal seemed to be the better of the two sides from the get-go, as more of the chances fell to them while Al Khor were put on the backfoot, being forced to defend for most of the early minutes.
Umm Salal’s Oussama Tannane had the first major opportunity of the tournament when he found himself in an advantageous position that could have resulted in a goal in the 13th minute, but the Moroccan’s left-footed shot from outside the box narrowly missed to the right.
The Orange Fortress continued to up the pressure on Al Khor, but for all their efforts, Al Khor’s defensive lineup, led by Moroccan import Adil Rhaili, were up to the task as they effectively curtailed the rampaging Umm Salal’s attack.
The ding-dong between both sides continued, with none of them yielding the ground for each other going into halftime.
Al Khor came out of the dugout more determined than they were in the first half, and they clearly showcased a team who were bent on leaving the stadium with at least a point.
In what was one of the major highlights of the night, Al Khor’s Yohan Boli had his right-footed shot from very close range, following a sublime assist by Ahmed Reyad, saved in the top centre of the goal.
With the time running out and the match seemed stalemated, Umm Salal were reduced to ten men in the 85th minute, with Kenji Gorré getting the marching orders for violent conduct.
Despite their numerical advantage, Al Khor were unable to capitalise on it as the Orange Fortress ensured that the match ended with the spoils shared, ensuring that Al Khor’s search for their first win of the season continues.
