DOHA — In a hard-fought Week 7 encounter, Al Ahli came from behind to defeat Al Arabi 3-2 in the 2023-2024 Expo Stars League at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.
According to a new release by Qatar News Agency, Al Ahli overturned an initial deficit to clinch the win. Naim Sliti (53rd minute), Omar Sekou (62nd minute), and Yazan Al Naimat (89th minute) scored for Al Ahli, while Yousef Msakni (17th-minute penalty) and Ahmed Fathi (73rd minute) were the goal-scorers for Al Arabi.
The match began with Al Ahli conceding a penalty after Colombian defender Danilo Arboleda fouled Msakni in the box. Msakni took the penalty himself and put Al Arabi ahead. Another goal from Omar Al Somah for Al Arabi in the 21st minute was subsequently disallowed after a VAR check identified a handball by Msakni.
Al Ahli struggled initially, with a missed long-range shot by Naim Sliti in the 28th minute. But momentum shifted after the half-time break. Sliti scored the equalizer, capitalizing on a pass from Al Naimat. Nine minutes later, Sliti’s header found Yansane, who scored to put Al Ahli ahead 2-1.
Al Arabi responded with a goal in the 73rd minute. Marco Verratti assisted Fathi, who scored to level the match at 2-2. The closing moments of the match were high-intensity, with both teams launching counter-attacks. Al Naimat emerged as the hero for Al Ahli, scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute. He beat three defenders and the goalkeeper to find the net.
Despite an additional 11 minutes of playing time, neither team was able to alter the scoreline. The win took Al Ahli’s point total for the season to six, the same as Al Arabi’s.