Al Arabi defeated Umm Salal by a 2-0 margin in Week 18 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League at the Al Arabi Stadium on Monday.

Syrian striker Omar Al Somah scored the goals in the 32nd and 75th minutes as Al Arabi moved on to 40 points, two less than leaders Al Duhail, in the second place from 18 games.

Umm Salal remained on 13 points from 18 matches.

The two teams had met recently in the semifinal of Ooredoo Cup and Umm Salal rallied to bounce back from being a goal down to win 2-1.

The first-leg clash between Al Arabi and Umm Salal had ended in a 1-1 draw in Week 7.

This time around, both teams entered the match with a strong desire to win the three points and the start was exciting, with Al Arabi calling the shots.

The 24th minute saw Al Arabi’s Abdullah Al Muraisi get a good opportunity, who fired a powerful shot that hit the crossbar and the ball rebounded to Rafinha, who hit it again next to the post.

However, The Dream Team were not to be denied and they took the lead past the half-hour mark when Al Muraisi crossed the ball to Al Somah from the left and the latter snatched it into the net.

Umm Salal pushed hard for an equaliser as the second half started and Al Arabi retreated.

The Orange Fortress created several chances and one among them was in the 59th minute that involved Yassin Al Bakhit and Vinicius Araujo.

Al Arabi now sensed danger and again went on the offensive, with Yousef Msakni showing more enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Umm Salal kept testing Al Arabi goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail, but their attackers missed many opportunities.

And Al Arabi succeeded in scoring a second time when Al Somah found the target off a Rafinha cross.