Al Sailiya edged past hosts Al Ahli 1-0 in Week 17 of the QNB Stars League on Thursday.

The only goal of the match was scored by Abdulqadir Ilyas as early as the second minute.

In a dramatic start to the proceedings, Al Sailiya opened the scoring after a lapse by Al Ahli keeper Ivanildo Rodrigues. Nadir Belhadj charged down the left flank before slipping in a cross to team-mate Rachid Tiberkanine.

The Moroccan striker quickly aimed for the goal from the edge of the Al Ahli box, but keeper Santos fumbled with the ball. An unmarked Ilyas latched on to the loose ball and slipped one with great ease as Al Sailiya players celebrated the 'plucky' strike in just the second minute of the match.

In the 21st minute, Al Ahli’s Mohshine Moutaouali scored, or he thought he had, but the effort was ruled offside. In the 40th minute, Belhadj’s attempt at goal was blocked expertly by keeper Santos. 

Ahmed Suhail of Al Ahli was penalised for a rough tackle with a yellow card by referee Nayef Mohamed Al Kadiri. The referee also penalised Al Ahli duo Majed Mohammed and Omid Ibrahimi.

Al Sailiya’s Abdulrahman Mohamed Hussain and Ahmed Albakheet Al Menhali were also penalised with yellow cards in the tense clash. 

Five minutes from the close of play, Tiberkanine was also shown a yellow card for a rough tackle.