DOHA (Qatar): Defending champions Duhail SC kicked off their title defence in style with a 3-0 victory against Umm Salal in Qatar Stars League on Friday.
Luiz Martin, Mohamed Muntari and substitute Ali Afif scored for Duhail.
New signings Dudu and Ramin Semeskandi started for Duhail, but it was one of their old warhorses, Martin, who drew the first blood for them.
The midfielder was at least 25 yards away from the goal when he received the ball during an attack through the middle but his shot, a low left-footer eluded the hands of goalkeeper Baba Malik and rested inside Umm Salal goal.
The shot was not the most powerful one, but it was well directed even though the goalkeeper looked he was a bit late with his effort.
While Brazilian import Dudu operated in the midfield for Duhail, Semeskandi was deployed on the right and his crosses were creating problems for Umm Salal defence. And it did not take long for the Iranian to make a telling contribution as Muntari rose above the defence to meet the cross with a perfectly guided glancing header in the 37th minute.
