Al Duhail beat Umm Salal 1-0 in Week 7 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League at the Al Arabi Stadium on Sunday.

Mohammed Muntari scored the winner in the 65th minute.

The Red Knights moved on to 17 points, while The Orange Fortress stayed on five. It was Al Duhail’s fifth victory and Rui Faria’s boys thus extended their unbeaten run, having drawn their other two games.   

Al Duhail attacked from the onset, with Paolo Edmilson leading the charge. His long-ranger hit the right upright before Umm Salal goalkeeper Yazan Naim, who had a good day saving many shots, thwarted the Brazilian.

Al Duhail players unleashed shots after shots at the goal, underlining their domination. Ali Afif sent a left-footer wide and then Yazan blocked a Luis Martin shot. 

On Umm Salal’s part, Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo, coming from an injury layoff, skied the ball from close on 30 minutes and Nasser Al Nasr had his shot saved by Al Duhail goalkeeper Amine Lecomte.

Muntari had a headed goal disallowed for offside.

Meanwhile, Umm Salal’s Joao Bruno made a goalline save off Karim Boudiaf’s half-volley in stoppage time as the first half drew to a close goalless.

On to the second half and Almoez Ali took over the main attacking duty of Al Duhail. He made two serious attempts at the goal before Muntari was on target off a corner kick. The lanky striker’s volley hit the body of Yazan before going in.

Umm Salal came closest to grabbing an equaliser, only for the left upright denying Syrian striker Mahmoud Al Mawas when Lecomte was not in a position to make a save.

Similarly, Al Duhail could have doubled their lead had it not been Muhanad Ali, who replaced an injured Muntari soon after he scored the goal, hitting his shot against the left post.