DOHA: Al Gharafa recorded their seventh straight victory in as many rounds beating Al Shamal 2-1 and increased their lead to seven points in the Qatar League standings here recently. Ahmed Reda Madouni drew the first blood for Al Gharafa in the 19th minute but Fernando levelled the scores for Al Shamal in the 75th minute. Brazilian import Clemerson scored the match-winner in the last minute to ensure full points for Al Gharafa. Defending champions and second-placed Al Sadd were held to a 2-2 draw by Qatar Sports Club. 2004 AFC Player of the Year Ali Karimi, who joined Qatar Sports Club from Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich, was on target for the first time for his new club at the stroke of half time when he neutralized Argentine Mauro Zarate’s 34th minute opener for Al Sadd. Sebastian Soria put Al Sadd ahead in the 61st minute but Zarate made it 2-2 in the 85th minute. Qatar Sports Club now have only six points from seven games and are on ninth position in the 10-team standings.

In other matches, Umm Salal ran out 4-0 winners over Al Khor, thanks to a brace each from Sabri Lamouchi and Hussain Ali, Al Sailiyah overcame Al Wakra 4-3 and 10-man Al Arabi held Al Rayyan 1-1.

STANDINGS: 1. Al Gharafa 21, 2. Al Sadd 14, 3. Al Shamal 10, 4. Umm Salal 10, 5. Al Arabi 10.