Ayoub Assal’s last-gasp goal ensured an emphatic 2-0 victory for Al Wakrah against Umm Salal in the concluding match in Round 4, Group B of the 2024-2025 season QSL Cup at the Al Khor Stadium on Saturday.

Assal scored in seven minutes of added time after Moayad Hassan had put The Blue Wave in front in the 24th minute to ensure three wins from three matches for Al Wakrah, resulting in nine points, while Umm Salal, who have played four matches so far, remained on six points.

As expected of a match of its calibre involving two strong teams who were contesting for not just the maximum points but also the outright leadership, the match showcased all excitement and nail-biting action anticipated ahead of the encounter.

After a series of missed opportunities on both sides, Al Wakrah eventually got the opening goal in the 24th minute through Hassan, who was left with the simplest of work of tapping in the ball after excellent football artistry from youthful Yousef El Khatib, who dazzled his way into The Orange Fortress’ final third before releasing a diagonal pass unto the path of his team-mate to finish off.

Despite Umm Salal’s several attempts at getting the equaliser, the lone-goal lead stood going into the second half.

Al Wakrah continued where they stopped in the second half, with Khaled Mohammed forcing Umm Salal goalkeeper Louay Ashour into making a super save from his 25-yard curling shot in the 48th minute.

Al Wakrah continued to mount pressure on Umm Salal’s defence but for all their efforts, the latter’s bulwark remained unyielding and unwilling to concede more goals, much to the frustration of coach Ali Rahma Al Marri’s men.

Meanwhile, Umm Salal, who posted an impressive 5-0 win against Al Gharafa in the last round, appeared to be lacking cohesion and co-ordination upfront, with their forwards unable to make the most out of the opportunities that came their way, before Assal put the icing on the cake for Al Wakrah with the last kick of the game, following a quick break, to ensure a 2-0 victory for his side.