Alkass Digital
Jassem Gaber Abdulsallam struck in the ninth minute of injury time as Al Arabi got away with a 1-1 draw against Umm Salal despite being reduced to 10 men in their Week 2 clash of the Expo Stars League, yesterday.
Al Arabi had their new signing Wassim Keddari Boulif (Simo) sent off in as early as 11th minute of the match.
Simo was shown the red card after dangerously sliding into Umm Salal’s Khaled Abdelraouf, forcing the referee to take a look at VAR.
Despite losing one of his men, the reigning Amir Cup champions Al Arabi showed high calibre of resilience against Umm Salal at Al Thumama Stadium.
Umm Salal finally turned the match in their favour after Dutchman Kenji Gorre beat the Al Arabi goalkeeper Jasem Adel Al Hail from centre of the box in the 86th minute, giving their coach Patrice Carteron a sigh of relief.
It looked like Umm Salal, who finished just above the danger zone last season, were heading for their first win of the season, but that was when Abdulsallam emerged as the saviour for Al Arabi.
Abdulsallam received a pinpoint cross from Rafinha Alcantara following a corner kick and shot it past Umm Salal custodian Sami Habib to level the scores as Dream Team's fans erupted with joy.
Umm Salal had their moments of frustration, notably when Kenji Gorre's kick struck the crossbar in the 25th minute, and when Al Hail denied Oussama Tannane's powerful kick just before halftime.
Al Arabi, too, had several close calls. Omar Al Somah's early header bounced off the post in the 5th minute, before another failed attempt in the 67th minute.
The thrilling draw marks the second time Al Arabi shared points in as many games, having involved in another one-all stalemate in the opening round.
On the other hand, Umm Salal picked up the first point, having lost 1-3 to Al Sadd in their opening fixture.
Meanwhile, Al Al Janoub Stadium, yesterday, Al Wakrah bounced back with an added time penalty strike to draw 2-2 against a fighting Al Shamal.
Ali Olwan (34 th minute) and Ricardo Gomes 79 th minute (penalty) scored for Al Shamal, while substitute
Gelson Dala (47 th minute) and Mohamed Benyettou 90+3 minute (penalty) saved the day for Al Wakrah.
It was Al Shamal’s second draw of the league having been held 1-1 by Al Arabi in the opening week while Al Wakrah had beaten Muaither 3-0.