Yannick Sagbo netted both goals for Umm Salal in their 2-1 victory over Al Wakrah in Week 5 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League at the Al Arabi Stadium on Thursday.

The Ivorian striker found the mark in the ninth and 79th minutes. Captain Bruno Uvini scored Al Wakrah’s goal in the 52nd minute.

Umm Salal thus recorded their first victory and moved to four points, whereas Al Wakrah remained on six points (two wins and three defeats).

Umm Salal’s other point came through their drawn match with Al Rayyan in the first round.

Al Wakrah rued a missed penalty in the second half, while Umm Salal had mainly goalkeeper Yazan Naim to thank for.

Umm Salal were in the attack from start and Al Wakrah were on the back foot. 

The Orange Fortress duly took the lead as Sagbo placed home a Murad Naji cross from the right.

At the other end, Ismail Mahmoud’s long-range shot that went over the bar was the only worthwhile effort Al Wakrah made in the first half.

Al Wakrah were a rejuvenated lot in the second half. Substitute Khalid Muneer’s shot that went straight to Umm Salal goalkeeper Yazan Naim was only the beginning of a wave of attacks.

The Blue Wave equalised before long, with Uvini heading in Cristian Ceballos cross from the left.

Mohamed Benyettou then headed wide off a cross from Ousmane Coulibaly before Ceballos’ left-footed shot went inches wide of the target.

Al Wakrah earned a penalty through VAR in the 71st minute after Joao Bruno fouled Benyettou while chasing an aerial ball. However, the Algerian, who took the shot himself, hit straight to the goalkeeper and hit the rebound over.

Afterwards, Umm Salal found their winning goal, with the maker and taker being the same as in the first goal. Sagbo came up with a diving header off a Murad Naji corner, beating Saoud Al Khater for a second time.