Gharafa’s Lisandro Lopez shoots as Arabi defenders try to block his shot. Picture: Jayaram
Al Gharafa managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Al Arabi in what was a keenly contested battle which saw Arabi coach Dan Petrescu being sent off into the stands and his player Mohammed Salem receiving a red card after receiving two yellows. Gharafa scored an early goal through Abdulghani Munir in the 13th minute but Arabi came back strongly to score two quick goals in a span of five minutes.
In the 22nd minute Paulinho found the back of the net and then in the 27th minute Imoh Ezekiel gave Arabi the lead. In the 61st minute Arabi’s Salem conceded a penalty and got a second yellow card. Gharafa’s Nene converted from the spot for the equaliser. Neither side was able to break the deadlock after that.