DOHA (Qatar): Al Shahania were relegated to Second Division after a 2-2 draw against Al Khor at the Al Janoub Stadium in the final round left them at the bottom of the Qatar Stars League table.
While Al Shahania were directly relegated, Al Khor were also not out of danger as they now need to face the Second Division runners-up in a play-off for a place in next season’s top flight.
Second Division champions Al Kharaitiyat had already earned a berth in the 2020-21 season QNB Stars League.
The result was a big help for Umm Salal, who escaped with a draw against Al Sailiya.
At Janoub Stadium where both teams were desperate for a win, Ramin Rezaein (fourth-minute-penalty) and 74th-minute scored for Al Shahania.
Tiago Bezerra (45+1) and Lucca Borges (53rd minute) were Al Khor’s scorers.
Al Shahania and Al Khor had played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg as well.
Al Khor finished with three victories, eight draws and 11 defeats, whereas Al Shahania registered two wins, 10 draws and as many losses.
It was a direct between the teams to avoid relegation and play-off.
Al Shahania, who were unbeaten in the first three games (Weeks 18, 19 and 20) since the tournament resumed after a long break, have been doing well ever since Nabil Anwar took charge of them, replacing Spaniard Jose Murcia who oversaw their promotion to the top flight in the 2018-19 season.
Nabil’s wards raised visions of a much-needed victory when they took the lead as early as the fourth minute. Al Khor’s Mohammed Juma fouled Rezaein and the latter himself converted from the penalty spot.
Al Shahania’s Kesse Amanguoa had a goal ruled offside after 30 minutes and Al Khor drew level in first-half injury time as Tiago headed in a Lucca free-kick from the left.
