An injury-time goal saw Al Shamal hold Al Arabi to a thrilling 1-1 draw in their opening clash of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.

While The Dream Team seemed to be heading home, riding on an Al Shamal own goal (30th minute) advantage, coach Poya Asbaghi’s team bounced back in style with a smart Ali Olwan goal (90+2 minute) to force a telling draw.

The equalizer also underlined Al Shamal’s resolve after they had conceded the goal when Matias Nani deflected the ball into his own net while trying to negotiate action following a corner kick.

Despite the setback, Al Shamal fought hard even as Al Arabi also tried to consolidate the lead.

In the end, Al Arabi’s error in defence saw Olwan snatch on a chance to first take the ball over an advancing goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail’s head before rushing on to head the ball into the goal.

It was a delightful end for Al Shamal, while Al Arabi’s coach Younes Ali looked on in dismay.

It was a contest of absorbing action at one of the World Cup stadiums and both sides displayed fine football, but their defence line and goalkeepers also stood out.

In the 11th minute of the match, a kick from Al Arabi forward Yousef Msakni was well saved by Al Shamal custodian Babacar Seck. Msakni was fed by the assist from Ibrahim Kalla.

Three minutes later, it was Al Shamal raiding the rival den, but forward Ricardo Gomes’ threatening right-footed shot from top of the box went on to hit the left post. Gomes had picked on team-mate Ali Olwan’s header.

Gomes was again in action in the 23rd minute and this time his kick went on to hit the outside of the left goal post after deflecting from a defender’s foot.

In the 31st minute, another of Gomes’ attempt was saved by Al Arabi keeper Jassim Al Hail in the bottom left corner.

Minutes later, an Olwan shot went wide to the left.

Early in the second half, Al Arabi came steamrolling but Al Shamal fought off well and soon launched a counter, but luck continued to elude them as a successful strike of Gomes in the 57th minute was ruled offside by the referee and rightly so.

Gomes continued to work hard and in the 67th minute picked on an Omid Ebrahimi cross to head from the centre of the box, but once again goalkeeper Al Hail was alert to make a collection in the bottom left corner.

There were more attempts later by Al Shamal’s Nani whose header was a bit too high and Al Arabi’s Omar Al Somah’s low kick was averted.

And just when it looked like Al Arabi were heading for a win, the added-time action from Al Shamal and their Jordanian forward Olwan pulled things back for the side.