Uche dazzles in Al- Rayyan debut

Super Eagles’ midfielder Kalu Uche has finally made his debut for his new Qatari side Al-Rayyan as they held visiting Umm Salal to 1-1 draw at home in the Qatar Stars League clash on Friday.

The former Espanyol star was in the heat of game for the first time following his departure from second-placed Al-Jaish about two weeks ago.

Kalu, spotting jersey number 9, was on from start to finish, partnering Aiyegbeni Yakubu in the attack, but failed to hit the target.

It was their Ghana import Babo Baro that salvaged a point for the bottom- placed hosts in the added time of the game.

Al-Rayyan are not comfortable on the foot of the log and desperately needed some fire power for the big lift but their latest acquisition, who netted four times in eight appearances for title-chasing Al-Jaish failed to lift them.

Uche felled out with Al-Jaish new Tunisian coach Nabil Maâloul and was frozen out of the team, forcing the proven scorer to look elsewhere.

Spain was touted as hus destination as the former Bordeuax star was rumoured to have been locked in transfer talks with some unnamed La Liga clubs but it was A-Rayyan that recently completed his compatriot Yakubu’s signing that convinced to switch base.

It would be recalled that Allnigeriasoccer.com broke the report  that Qatari Stars League campaigners Al Rayyan had snapped up Nigeria international Kalu Uche on undisclosed terms, less than four months after he signed a contract with rivals Al Jaish.

He becomes the second Nigerian to append his signature to a contract with Al Rayyan this winter.

It would be recalled that the Lions had acquired Yakubu Aiyegbeni from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F about a week ago.

Currently faced with relegation except their fortunes improve, the leadership of Al Rayyan has gone on a massive recruitment campaign this winter.

Kalu Uche , 31, netted 4 goals in 8 league matches for past club Al Jaish.