Erik Exposito’s 65th-minute goal proved to be decisive as Al Ahli defeated Qatar SC 1-0 in the third round (Group A) of 2024-2025 season QSL Cup at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium of Al Duhail club on Friday.

With the result, The Brigadiers, who were without any point following two losses in as many matches, secured the full three points and improved their rankings in the standings, while Qatar SC remained on one point.

It was a match of two evenly-balanced teams, with nothing much by the way of opportunities on both sides for the better part of first half, with each side cautiously weighing their chances with a view of not unnecessarily opening up their rear flanks in their attempts at attacking.

Qatar SC’s Ali Awad missed what was arguably the best chance of the night so far in the 38th minute when he was set up for a perfect sitter, but the winger shot straight at Al Ahli goalkeeper Yazan Naim, who parried the ball out for a corner kick to the disappointment of The Kings’ bench and fans.

The miss was the major highlight of the half as the teams headed for the dugout with a goalless stalemate.

The second half was no different from the first, with both sides not showing signs of being too adventurous upfront.

Exposito saw his goal-bound shot in the 57th minute deflected off for a corner kick, which was eventually not converted.

Eight minutes later, the Spaniard eventually broke the deadlock for The Brigadiers with a superb goal, from a beautiful assist by Yousef Marei, which proved to be the eventual match winner.