Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah struck a terrific seven goals to fire Qatari giants Al Sadd to a 10-1 routing of Al Arabi in their second successive emphatic victory on Sunday night.
It was an extraordinary individual display of six second half goals by the Algerian that followed up a hat-trick he hit in the 6-0 demolition of Al Kharitiyath seven days earlier in the season opener. With his tally now at an astonishing 10 goals in two games, last Sunday’s goal-harvest was Bounedjah’s largest haul in one match in his professional career. The striker is certainly enjoying the form of his life, having also top-scored in the Qatar Stars League last season with 24 goals. Interestingly, Al Arabi have become Bounedjah’s biggest customers after he struck five goals against them in the 7-0 league thumping last term. But it was on Sunday when the former Etoile du Sahel striker was in sensational mood, opening his account from the penalty spot two minutes from halftime to help Al Saad take a 2-1 lead after Akram Afif had scored their first goal.
Bounedjah turned the second half into a one-man show, starting by firing his second goal just two minutes after the restart, in an outing in which teammate and former Barcelona captain Xavi lasted the whole match. Other goals on the 50th minute, 62, 64, 72 and a minute before full time completed an incredible night for the Algerian. The result was Al Sadd’s second biggest victory in their history after the 21-0 mauling of Muaither 11 seasons ago. With such terrific form, Al Sadd might go out of their way to keep Bounedjah away from a big money move to a European giant, a possibility this August. Having last featured for Algeria in June’s international friendly match against Portugal, Bounedjah is expected to shine for the Desert Foxes when they resume their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying bid with a visit to The Gambia next month.
Photo Credit: Getty
