Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Arabi lost their opening friendly game to Arabian Gulf side Baniyas fby two goals.
 
The friendly was planned to help the team stay match-fit during what is a mid-season break for QSL sides.
 
The match was played on Saturday at the home turf of Baniyas Sports Club.
 
Both goals were scored during the first half by Suhail Al Noubi (18 and 35).
 
Al Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola used different combinations to help find the right mix for the remaining QSL games, a club official said on Sunday.