Brahimi scores twice as Bennacer and Ounas help Al-Gharafa win

Ismaël Bennacer, Yacine Brahimi and Adam Ounas were all on target or directly involved as Al-Gharafa beat Mesaimeer 4-2 in the second round of the QSL Cup.

The three Algerian internationals started together and played a major role in Al-Gharafa’s strong first-half display, with the Qatari side taking a three-goal lead before the interval.

Bennacer was the first of the Algerian trio to make a decisive contribution. The midfielder provided the assist for Brahimi to open the scoring in the 19th minute.

Brahimi made no mistake after being played in by his compatriot, calmly finishing the move to put Al-Gharafa ahead.

The former FC Porto player was involved again just five minutes later. Brahimi found the net in the 24th minute to score his second goal of the game and give Al-Gharafa a commanding advantage before the half-hour mark.

Al-Gharafa continued to dominate and the Algerian influence was again evident when Ounas added a third goal in the 34th minute.

The goal completed a remarkable opening half for the three Algeria internationals, who had been directly involved in all three of Al-Gharafa’s goals.

With a three-goal advantage, Al-Gharafa went into the break in a strong position. However, Mesaimeer responded after the restart and managed to score twice to reduce the deficit.

The two goals brought Mesaimeer back into the contest and gave Al-Gharafa a more difficult second half after their commanding opening 45 minutes.

The Qatari side eventually put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. A penalty was awarded and converted in the 90+2 minute to give Al-Gharafa a fourth goal and secure a 4-2 victory.

The result completed a memorable night for Bennacer, Brahimi and Ounas, whose contributions had put Al-Gharafa in control during the first half before Mesaimeer’s second-half response.

Brahimi’s two goals, Bennacer’s assist and Ounas’ goal ensured the Algerian trio played a central role in Al-Gharafa’s progression from the second round of the competition.