Caitlin Dillon
Al Duhail came storming back into the QNB Stars League determined to redeem themselves following their shock 4-0 defeat at the hands of Xavi Hernandez’ Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup final last week. Two goals from Almoez Ali in the 4th and 95th minute and one from Edmilson Junior in the 33rd allowed the team to continue their unbeaten run, picking up all three points as they defeated Al Arabi 3-1.
Following the resignation of their Head Coach earlier in the week, Al Duhail’s position at the top of the standings looked shaky, however, under the temporary guidance of Assistant Manager Bruno Oliveira this evening, the reds took full advantage of the gap appearing at the top of the table as a result of Al Rayyan’s 4-2 defeat against Al Gharafa last night.
The thrilling encounter got underway with a 4th-minute goal from Almoez Ali, but it wasn’t long until Al Arabi found the equaliser with a penalty awarded in the 19th minute, converted coolly by Hamdi Harbaoui.
Ten minutes later, Youssef Msakni called it a day as he went down injured, and Edmilson was brought on in his place. No sooner had he entered the pitch than he put his side ahead once more, leaving Al Duhail 2-1 up ahead of half time.
Both sides created numerous chances in the second half, however Al Arabi’s chances of equalising were destroyed in the 80th minute as Fahad Ali Obaid was handed a red card for a studs-up tackle on Mohamed Ali.
With the last kick of the match, Almoez Ali sealed his side’s victory with a third and final goal, after finding himself on the receiving end of an Al Arabi throw-in.
With this victory, Al Duhail sit five points ahead of Al Rayyan at the top of the table as they look to secure the QNB Stars League title for the seventh time in history, and the second time under their new name.