Al Arabi welcomed Sailiya to the Grand Hamad stadium for their penultimate clash in the Qatar Stars League this season. The Dream Team kicked off the match looking to at least maintain the 7^th position in the league table as they took on Sailiya, a team that has flirted with relegation and was in 10^th spot prior to kick off.

Al Arabi looked the stronger in the opening exchanges however it was the visitors who took the lead early on with an Issam Jemma header. It was the Tunisian’s 11^th goal of the season.

In the second half the Sailiya front man Jemma had a chance to make it two when his counter attack saw him hit the wrong side of the upright.

Al Arabi slowly started to dominate the second half and was pressuring the Peregrine’s defence with attack after attack.

In the 65^th minute Júnior Dutra found the breakthrough after some neat passing on the edge of the box set him free. The Brazilian then coolly placed the ball to the left of the keeper.

This changed the complexion of the match as Arabi were buoyed by the goal and continued to search for another.

The winning goal came from a Dejagah corner; the ball flew past everyone and eventually reached the far post where Captain Abdulaziz Hatem tapped in from close range (75’).

On reflection the home side deserved the win, showing more purpose and industry.

The result sees Arabi stay in 7^th but they are now level on points with Al Ahli on points.

Next week Arabi take on Qatar Sports Club away.