Al Gharafa defeated Al Markhiya 2-1 in Week 7 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League at the Al Duhail Stadium on Tuesday.

Al Markhiya took the lead through Moroccan Driss Fettouhi in the 37th minute.

Yacine Brahimi scored the equalizer for Al Gharafa in the 56th minute and Ishak Belfodil netted the winner in the 63rd minute off a penalty kick.

The match witnessed the expulsion of Al Markhiya defender Ayoub Azzi after he received a second yellow card in the 89th minute.

With this victory, Al Gharafa moved on to 12 points from three victories, as many draws and one loss, while Al Markhiya remained on eight points following their third loss.

It may be recalled that Al Gharafa drew 2-2 with Umm Salal, whereas Al Markhiya, who beat reigning champions Al Sadd in the opening round, defeated Al Rayyan 2-1 in Week 6.

The start of the match came strong and enthusiastic from both sides and Al Markhiya threatened Al Gharafa’s goal in the 10th minute, but Iraqi striker Ayman Hussein’s header was saved by goalkeeper Qasim Burhan for a corner kick.

Al Gharafa imposed their superiority on the match, pressed hard and got some chances, including Brahimi’s shot in the 22nd minute, which was off-target.

Then came Al Markhiya’s first goal as Fettouhi took advantage of the situation and found the target with a powerful shot.

Al Gharafa pressed in the first minutes of second half to score the equalizer and Brahimi gave them exactly that.

Al Gharafa found their second goal through a penalty kick awarded after Uzbek Islom Tukhtakhujaev was obstructed by Ayoub Azzi and Belfodil converted from the spot.

Al Markhiya intensified pressure for a tie, but the rival goalkeeper and defenders held fort.