Two first-half goals powered Al Arabi to a 2-1 win over a fighting Al Shahania in Week 17 of the QNB Stars League on Thursday.

Al Arabi opened the scoring in the seventh minute through a lucky move that resulted in an early goal for the home side. Fahad Khalfan charged ahead after dodging an Al Shahania marker, but when he reached the box, he fumbled with his shot. Al Shahania goalkeeper Saoud Al Hajri failed to clear the ball which landed at the feet of striker Wilfried Bony who clipped a shot into the net with a left-footed drive from close range.

In the 29th minute, Al Shahania produced the equaliser with slick attacking. Ramin slipped a cross into the Al Arabi box, but keeper Ibrahim was not quick to clear the ball. Yousef Hani grabbed the opportunity to put the ball into the net from close range.

A minute later, Al Arabi once again grabbed the lead when Iranian Morteza Pouraliganji headed home in spectacular fashion off a corner kick. Despite the ball dipping in, Pouraliganji moved up to deflect the ball into the Al Shahania net with keeper Al Hajri in no place to stop the ball.

Yellow cards also came out thick and fast as players from both sides got booked for rough tackles. Al Arabi’s Victor Vazquez (19) and Al Shahania trio Saad Hussain (29), Alvaro Perez (59) and Luciano Vazquez (79) got booked.

In the 80th minute, Al Arabi keeper Mahmoud Abunada got booked followed by Yusuf Abdurisag who received a yellow card a minute later.