Muaither beat Al Markhiya 2-0 in Week 14 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi club on Saturday.

While Tiago de Leonco scored the opening goal for Muaither in the 16th minute, they benefited from an own goal from Ruben Semedo in the 55th minute. Al Markhiya also missed a penalty (Driss Fettouhi) to add to their own worries.

The much-needed win saw Muaither take their points tally to nine after 13 matches, while Al Markhiya with four points stay at the bottom.

Muaither made a bright start with a fine move down the left where Aymane El Hassouni beat defenders before making a solid cross to the centre where Brazilian Leonco stretched his left foot to connect and score with the ball beating a diving goalkeeper to his left.

Six minutes later, Al Markhiya got the chance to equalize as an advancing Yusupha Nije was brought down by Muaither goalkeeper Ivanildo Rodrigues and the referee after a VAR signalled for the spot.

Fettouhi stepped up and took the shot with his left foot, but the kick swung towards the right hitting the post before going out as Rodrigues and his teammates celebrated.

From there on, Al Markhiya pushed hard to make inroads in search of an equalizer, but their efforts did not bore fruit.

In the second session, Muaither came back strongly making some moves and, in the 55th minute, gained from a freak defensive attempt to go up 2-0.

With a long lob from near the centre line making its way into the box, Muaither’s Jamal Hamed rushed in to make a kick, but could not make a proper connection and the ball rolled up further. An Al Markhiya defender, in haste to make the clearance, kicked hard, but the ball hit Semedo’s back right shoulder before going into the net, as the goalkeeper had already advanced.

The double blow left Al Markhiya’s hopes further dented and despite their valiant attempts could not find a way back into the match.