Doha: Al Kharaitiyat ensured their stay in the QNB Stars League after beating Al Wakrah 2-1 in the play-off match on Saturday.
Kharaitiyat, who were pushed into the relegation playoff after finishing 11th in the QNB Stars League, just above relegated Al Markhiya, enjoyed the better of the exchanges against Second Division runners-up Wakrah.
Rachid Tiberkanine punished Wakrah’s lacklustre defending in the 17th minute when he ran down a hopeful long ball and beat advancing goalkeeper Mohamad Abdulla Enyas with a neat finish.
Kharaitiyat doubled the lead in the 73rd after yet another defensive lapse from Wakrah. Captain Mohamad Saad Al Sulaity lost possession just inside their own half, allowing Anwar Diba to find Majed Aman, who took a few strides before beating Enyas with a powerful shot from outside the box.
Though Antony Bassy pulled one back for Wakrah in the 86th, after beating Khraitiyat goalkeeper Ahmed Soofiyan with a smart freekick on the right, it proved too little too late.
Second division champions Al Shahaniya had directly qualified for next season’s QNB Stars League.
Source: dohastadiumplusqatar.com