Al Markhiya defeated Al Shamal 3-1 in Week 20 of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League at the Al Gharafa Stadium on Friday.

Al Markhiya’s goals were scored by Driss Fettouhi (45th minute penalty and 84th minute) and Jose Correia (45+3 minute), while Al Shamal’s goal came through Al Markhiya’s Hamad Balgheit’s own goal in the 67th minute.

Al Markhiya moved on to 24 points, while Al Shamal stood on 17 points.

Al Markhiya held sway from start and created chances. They deservedly went ahead through Fettouhi’s penalty conversion and that had great impact on the morale of their players.

Al Shamal put up a good fight, but without effectiveness except for Majed Mohammed’s attempt in the 15th minute.

Afterwards, Al Markhiya got more active and both teams traded attacks and they earned a penalty in the last minute of first half when Ayoub Azzi was fouled. Goalkeeper Yousef Abdullah first blocked Fettouhi’s kick, but he sent in the ball in second attempt.

Al Markhiya took advantage of the lead and soon went ahead through Correia.

In the second half, Al Markhiya continued to threaten the rival goal, but Al Shamal pulled one back through an own goal to come back into the match.

However, Fettouhi gave Al Markhiya a late winner.

The two teams had met recently at the Qatar SC Stadium on April 19 in the postponed match between them from Week 9 and Al Markhiya had emerged as 2-1 winners, thanks to the closing moments goal from their brilliant Moroccan Ayoub Assal.