Al Arabi defeated Al Ahli 3-1 in Week 1 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday.

Hamdi Harbaoui (23rd and 68th minutes) and Pierre-Michel Lasogga (51st) scored for Al Arabi, while Hernan Gonzalez netted Al Ahli’s consolation goal in the 35th minute.

Al Arabi, coached by Heimir Hallgrimsson, were on the attack mode right from the beginning. The Dream Team took the lead when Hamdi, who excelled for Qatar SC in the 2014-15 season, capitalised on Yusuf Abdurizag’s good work by heading in the ball.

Al Ahli equalised through Hernan after captain Nabil El Zhar did the spadework.

Al Arabi dominated possession (53 per cent) in the first half.

Al Arabi goalkeeper Gregory Gomez thwarted Gonzalez early into the match and Al Ahli custodian Ivan Rodriguez easily saved Abdurizag’s attempt as the first half ended 1-1.

Not long after restart, Lasogga doubled the lead for Al Arabi off a corner kick taken by Mohammed Salal El Neel.

Al Arabi made matters beyond The Brigadiers’ control when Hamdi pounced on a rebound from the Al Ahli goalkeeper and placed the ball home.

Al Ahli would rue a chance missed by new recruit Gonzalez as he came up with a feeble shot that was saved by the Al Arabi goalkeeper after the former was put through by Abdulla Abdulsalam.