Doha: Al Arabi secured their second consecutive win in the Qatar Stars League (Doha Bank League) after defeating Al Shahania 2-0 in their match on Friday at Al Thumama Stadium, as part of the 9th round of the tournament.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Arabi had previously defeated Al Sadd 3-1 in the last round, continuing their resurgence with another victory and raising their points tally to 10, placing them in 8th position. Meanwhile, Al Shahania suffered another defeat, leaving them with four points at the bottom of the table. The goals were scored by Jordanian Yazan Al Naimat in the 83rd minute and Kenyan Michael Olunga in the 87th minute.
The first half of the match was of average quality, with play concentrated in midfield for the most part, as both teams focused on defending their areas without taking any attacking risks, particularly Al Shahania. Al Arabi dominated possession but failed to convert their control into goals. Their attacks were limited to a few attempts, the first of which came in the 16th minute when Spaniard Pablo Sarabia headed a cross from Mohammed Khaled, but the goalkeeper made the save. A shot from Kenyan Michael Olunga went just wide of the post in the 20th minute.
Al Shahania relied on quick counter-attacks. Muath Al Wadiyya almost scored when he faced Al Arabi's goalkeeper, Jassim Al Hail, but his powerful shot went just wide of the post in the 30th minute. A goal by Al Shahania's Saeed Al Muhannadi, following a pass from Dutchman Petrus Amroosfort, was disallowed for offside in the 40th minute. Al Arabi continued their efforts, with Spaniard Rodrigo Sanchez firing a shot over the bar in the 42nd minute. The first half ended goalless.
The second half began in much the same vein, with Al Arabi controlling possession but failing to create any significant attacking threat. Al Shahania's defense remained tight, preventing them from launching any effective counter-attacks. Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra made several changes that contributed to a late attacking surge in the final ten minutes, spearheaded by Jordanian substitute Yazan Al Naimat.
Al Naimat opened the scoring after a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past several defenders before slotting the ball into the net in the 83rd minute. The Jordanian striker continued his impressive performance, delivering a perfect pass that put Michael Olunga through on goal, allowing him to score the second goal in the 87th minute. This secured a 2-0 victory for Al Arabi, their second consecutive win, confirming the resurgence that began in the previous round.