Al Arabi got their first victory in the 2019-20 edition of Ooredoo Cup, thanks to a 2-1 defeat of Al Sailiya in Round 2, Group B at the Al Wakrah Stadium on Saturday.

Both goals for Al Arabi were scored by Hamdi Harbaoui in the 23rd and 41st minutes. Al Sailiya had equalised through Hassan Sadiq in the 25th minute.

A fine game started in fine fashion as both sides pursued an early advantage. However, it was Al Arabi who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Harbaoui let loose with a long-range effort that flew narrowly over the target.

The first goal came in great style as Mohamed Salem crossed the ball to Harbaoui, who controlled it on his chest before hitting a first-time volley into the back of the net. 

Al Sailiya responded brilliantly as Hassan first tried his luck from long range before seizing on a defensive mix-up to level the scores with a low strike within two minutes of restart.

They could have poked their noses ahead when Mohamed Mudather muscled his way through the defence with a powerful run, but his shot on goal was well saved by Loukay Sherif.

That error proved to be costly as Al Arabi regained the lead when Mohamed Salem again picked out Harbaoui in the penalty area and the target man swiftly fired his shot past the goalkeeper.

Harbaoui, who was a real handful for his opponents throughout, had several more chances in the second half to put the result beyond doubt, but his side would have been relieved when Ibrahim Majed headed over late on as they hung on for victory. 

Al Arabi now sit on four points having drawn their opening game against Al Khor, while Al Sailiya remain without any point after two defeats.