Al Arabi grabbed a two goal victory against a spirited Al Ahli at the Grand Hamad stadium.The first half was a frantic affair in this local derby, with the match sprining into life in the third minute with Arabi nearly taking the lead thanks to a quick fire shot from Paulo Sergio.
Both sides traded blows in the first half in entertaining fashion, with Ahli’s leading goal scorer Alain Dioko missing a one on one chance to give his side the lead on the 12th minute.
Ahli’s head coach Zlatko Krajncar had warned of the threat of Arabi midfielder Ashkan Dejagah before the game, and was a constant menace in the first half. His jinxing run into the box deserved to put his side into the lead.
This derby is one of the most passionate in the QSL, and this was certainly reflected in the first half in a tight end to end encounter. With the first half ending 0-0.
The second half started eventfully with Alain Dioko clashing with the goalkeeper, much to the worry of the home fans. Thankfully the QSL’s top goal scorer was unscathed and started pulling the strings for his side as Ahli started to dominate.
Mashal Abdullah’s looping header on 57 minutes typified the dominace of Ahli. With the Qatari's effort floating over the cross bar. Arabi continued to look dangerous on the break, with the marauding Dejagah hiting the post on 59th minute.
The break through goal for Arabi came courtesy of winter signing Junior Dutra on the 63rd minute, the Brazilian striker unleashed an impressive shot from outside the box just out of the clutches of Ahli Keeper Amer Dosari.
Al Arabi grew in confidence thought the opening goal, with defender Abdul Abdulla having his effort turned onto the underside of the cross bar. On the 76th minute the game was over through Paulo Sergio who slotted home from close distance, with the former Livorno man profiting from the hard work of the Iranian international Dejagah.
For the final quarter of the tie, Ahli had the upper hand but could not grab that crucial goal to turn the tide. Ahli deserved a goal for their endevour and a late chances from Mashal Abdullah where not enough to get the Brigadiers back into the tie. Arabi ran out 2-0 winners, in a moral boosting win for The Dream Team.
Man of the Match Ashkan Dejagah.
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