Umm Salal and Al Ahli in were locked in a 1-1 draw in Week 20 of the 2019-20 season QNB Stars League at the Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.

Rasul Bezerra’s goal in the 45th minute gave the lead for Umm Salal against Al Ahli, who were helped by an own goal by The Orange Fortress’ Rami Fayez in the 72nd minute.

Umm Salal and Al Ahli now have 17 and 20 points respectively.

Al Ahli had beaten Umm Salal 1-0 in the first leg of 2019-20 QNB Stars League.

Al Ahli had more of the ball, but Umm Salal managed to hold them to extend their unbeaten run to the third match after resumption of the tournament following a long break.

Umm Salal had held Al Duhail and Qatar SC in Week 18 and 19 respectively by an identical 1-1 margin. Staring at relegation, they have been showing excellent improvement under Moroccan coach Aziz Ben Askar, himself their former defender.

Al Ahli have not had a positive result ever since the QNB Stars League resumed with Week 18 action as The Brigadiers had lost 1-3 to Al Shahania in Week 18 and 0-1 to reigning champions Al Sadd in Week 19.

After Umm Salal’s Walid Mesloub skied his shot and Al Ahli’s Hernan Perez’s chip shot went wide, and when the first half looked to be ending barren, Bezerra put Umm Salal ahead as he headed in a cross from the left by Omar Yahya past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Ivanildo Rodriguez.

Al Ahli’s equaliser came when Rami, in his bid to clear rival captain Nabil El Zhar’s cross from the left flank, put the ball into his own net.

Al Ahli’s Hazem Shehata soon came up with a shot, which was saved by goalkeeper Baba Malick. And the stalemate continued.