Qatari League: Al-Shamal stumbles to a draw in Mahrez’s debut

Al Shamal, runners-up in the Qatari League, fell into the trap of a disappointing 0-0 draw against Lusail, on Saturday, within the sixth stage, which witnessed Al Sailiya snatching its first point by drawing with Qatar 2-2.

In the first match, Spanish coach David Prats' team was unable to call upon veteran Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, who appeared for the first time as a substitute since the 60th minute, to avoid stumbling, reaching the ninth point in fifth place.

On the other hand, the newcomer to the top flight earned its sixth point and remained in ninth place.

Mahrez arrived in Doha last Monday, and successfully passed the medical examination, before signing the contract was delayed due to procedures related to his registration in the club’s lists with the Qatar Football Association.

The Algerian star was registered in the Al-Shamal list instead of Moroccan Mohamed Rabih Harimat, who suffered a cruciate ligament tear during the team’s match against Al-Gharafa, in the second stage of the Qatari League.

In the second, Al Sailiya snatched a last-gasp draw against Qatar, earning their first point in the tournament, but they remained in last place while Qatar reached the third point in penultimate place.

The stage concludes on Sunday with the summits of Al Sadd with Al Duhail and Al Gharafa with Al Rayyan.