Al Khor Shock Al Sailiya 2-1 on Free Transfer
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SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 SPORTSPORT 21 Fernando Alonso The challenge of the Dakar is undoubtedly the biggest I have says as he makes history as the first faced in my sporting career. But taking on things that look Formula One champion to compete impossible on paper and trying to make them possible in six in the Dakar Rally. or seven months of preparation is a thrilling challenge. Bayern sign hot Qatar SC hold Al Duhail to goalless goalkeeping prospect Nubel draw; Al Khor shock Al Sailiya 2-1 on free transfer AP — MUNICH FAWAD HUSSAIN a defeat in the ongoing QSL THE PENINSULA season. Bayern Munich has found Action during the match Mandzukic, who moved its replacement for captain between Al Khor and Al Sailiya, Croatian star Mario Mandzukic from Juventus, made his Manuel Neuer. yesterday. did not get a QNB Stars League presence felt on his Al Duhail The Bavarian power- (QSL) debut he hoped for as debut right from the start and house said yesterday it had points leaders Al Duhail were found the target in 15th minute agreed to sign goalkeeper held to a goalless draw by Qatar but referee Salman Falahi Alexander Nubel on a free SC on a day when Al Khor refused the goal after VAR transfer from Schalke on handed a shock 2-1 defeat to Al declared a marginal offside July 1. Sailiya. during the attack. In a short statement, the Mandzukic had his goal in Six minutes later, Rashidov club said: “Bayern and the first half cancelled by VAR, was also denied a goal after Nubel agreed this transfer that also rejected a goal by replay showed his foot was in the past days. The Qatar SC’s Sardor Rashidov. edging an Al Duhail defender. 23-year-old goalkeeper’s Following the draw at Al Overall, it was a spirited contract with Schalke runs Gharafa Stadium, Rui Faria- show by Qatar SC who resisted until June 30. Nubel arrives coached Al Duhail went two Al Duhail attacks well to snatch in Munich without a points clear of second-placed a point from the ‘Winter Cham- transfer fee and for five Al Rayyan with 30 points – the pions’. They are on eighth years.” only two teams yet to concede position with 14 points. Bayern sporting director Hasan Saliha- Mario Mandzukic in action midzic had earlier refused during his debut with Al to comment on the Duhail, yesterday. impending transfer of a player who is widely con- sidered one of the best young goalkeepers in Germany. Schalke had long been Meanwhile, Al Khor jumped defeat. Al Khor have the Abdulqadir Ilyas took a shot at attempting to get Nübel to one spot to 10th with nine advantage of having played one the goal and the ball rebounded extend his contract and had points after a stunning victory game less as their Week 7 off Al Khor’s Mohammed Al even made the former over sixth-placed Al Sailiya. fixture against Al Sadd was Jabri to Ansari, who only had to Germany under-21 goal- Karim Ansari put Al Sailiya deferred due to the latter’s AFC place it in. keeper its team captain. He ahead in the 18th minute, only Champions League com- Tiago Bezerra led Al Khor’s turned down the club’s to see Helal Mohammed mitment. It will now be played charge and their efforts bore offer to extend his contract equalise for Al Khor in the 29th on 21st January before the QNB fruit as Helal struck the ball in in December. minute, with Ibrahim Amada Stars League resumes with from the top of the box after Nubel is joining Bayern scoring the winning goal in the Week 12 action on 23rd January. being set up by Tiago. despite the likelihood of 83rd minute. Al Sailiya and Al Khor, who Al Sailiya’s Nadir Belhadj Germany goalkeeper The victory will do a world had played out a 1-1 draw in the unleashed two booming long- Neuer, 33, who also joined of good in Al Khor’s bid to move first leg, started off on a fast rangers in each half. First, it the club from Schalke, away from the danger zone. pace this time, with both teams went narrowly over the bar. extending his contract until Al Sailiya, who are keen to having their share of the ball. Later on, Al Khor goalkeeper 2023. be in the top four like they did Gradually, Al Khor were Baba Djibril collected his shot. Kicker magazine last season when they ended up more on the ascendancy, but it Ahmed Hammoudan and reported that Nübel turned third for their best-ever finish was Al Sailiya who surged Tiago were unlucky with their down interest from Bar- in the league, stood on 17 points ahead. Hamad Al Abidi crossed attempts at the goal in the first celona, Atletico Madrid and as they suffered their fifth the ball from the right, half. AC Milan. Nubel, who joined Schalke as a youth from Paderborn, made 35 Bun- Stones must improve fitness record: Guardiolaardiola desliga appearances for the club after displacing former REUTERS — MANCHESTER “I don’t know why he has not “Everythingrything you say to him, captain Ralf Fährmann. been able to play regularly. We he understands,stands, hhee doesn’tdoesn’t neeneedd He is currently serving Manchester City manager Pep try to help him. We have tried to more timeme to understand.understand. a four-game ban for a dan- Guardiola believes John Stones do the best to help him since the “Life isis aboutabout opportunities. gerous high challenge on has the ability to become one of I don’t know why he first day of the 3-1/2 years we We are delightedelighted witwithh hhowow hhee Eintracht Frankfurt’s Mijat the best defenders in the world has not been able to have been here. We do every- has takenen his. He’s Gacinovic on December 15. but said he will not reach his play regularly. We try thing for him. helped usus in toughtough potential until he stays fit for long “It depends on him. It’s in his momentss to help him. We have Bayern say it had periods. hands and in his head to become Meanwhile,nwhile, agreed to sign Stones last featured for City one of the best.” Guardiolad iola tried to do the best goalkeeper Alexander in a 2-1 Premier League defeat to help him since the In the absence of Stones, City expected Brazil by Manchester United last month have been forced to play Bra- midfielderlder Nubel on a free transfer and has been restricted to just 12 first day of the 3-1/2 zilian midfielder Fernandinho Fernandinhodinho from Schalke on July 1. club appearances this season. years we have been and 18-year-old Eric Garcia in to sign a new The 25-year-old is likely to centre back positions over the contract withwith Nubel is joining Bayern return to City’s starting lineup for here. We do everything festive period. Manchesterster despite the likelihood the FA Cup third round match for him: Pep Guardiola Barcelona academy graduate City beforefore of Germany goalkeeper against League Two side Port Garcia has impressed Guardiola his currentrent Neuer, 33, who also Vale on Saturday after recovering with his tactical maturity, having deal expiresres at joined the club from from his third thigh injury of the defender you have to play one helped City to victories over the end ofof thisthis campaign. entire season, every three days Sheffield United and Everton. season. Schalke, extending his contract until 2023. “He has the conditions to do being there,” Guardiola told a “Eric is so clever,” Guardiola Pep Guardiola it, but to be the best central news conference. added. Hathab: Kamil guides Quintendro to Big Tour glory Riders and officials pose for a group photo after the presentation ceremony of Big Tour at Al Shaqab, yesterday. Kamil Sabitov dedgui Quintendro to Big Tour victory at Longines Hathab in 71.16 to pick the winning prize money of QR 8,750.00. Daydreamer EC, ridden by Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, secured second position in 72.56 and picked QR 7,000.00. Quel Homme, guided by Nasser Al Ghazali, came in third position to win QR5,250.00. RIGHT: Quintendro in action yesterday. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2020 Al Attiyah is Dakar Rally favourite: Alonso AGENCIES — JEDDAH Two-time Formula One champion and Le Mans 24 Hours winner Fernando Alonso named Toyota team-mate and three-time Dakar Rally winner Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah as the favourite to triumph on the event’s first visit to Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard will make his first start in the legendary cross-country event at the wheel of a factory-supported Toyota Hilux, after months of preparations with the Japanese manufacturer. “My favourite for this Dakar is Nasser,” said the Spaniard. “He has the car at his dis- posal and knows this area of the Toyota’s driver Fernando Alonso of Spain world. Yazeed (Al Rajhi) will reacts during a technical check-up of Dakar also go very fast. Rally in Jeddah, yesterday. RIGHT: Toyota “Then there are Carlos driver and three-time winner of Dakar Rally (Sainz Sr) and (Stephane) Peter- Nasser Al Attiyah of Qatar. hansel. They are the fastest. But all they were also in Morocco Despite his limited rally- comfort zone. This is something and (Ginie) de Villiers won. This raid experience, Alonso said totally new and outside of your discipline is like this.” he feels there are “high expec- control.” My favourite for this Al Attiyah won last year’s tations” of him during yester- Quizzed on his own objec- Dakar Rally in Peru and is com- day’s pre-event press con- tives, Alonso said: “It depends Dakar is Nasser.