Skipper Meshal Abdulla was the hero for Al Ahli, grabbing a brace to power the Brigadiers to a 4-2 win over local rivals Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League yesterday. Ahli scored three goals in the first half, before taking a four goal lead in the second half from new signing Ali Ferydoon. Al Arabi pulled two goals back with Luis Jimenez finding the net on both occasions, but it proved too little too late for Osvaldo Oliveria’s side.
Ahli made a dream start in  the 7th minute, Al Ahli skipper and forward Abdulla scored hi steam’s first and his season’s eighth goal in spectacular fashion, sending delirious home fans into a rapturous celebration.
Midfielder Younes Ali clipped in a near-perfect cross off a free-kick and despite pressure Abdullah produced a snap-header with a cleverly-judge deflection that pushed the ball past goalkeeper Rajab Hamza.  Abdullah celebrated his team’s opening goal with an impromptu cartwheel as the home fans cheered on the inspiring captain and Qatar international.
In the 15th minute, the home team doubled the lead through Iranian midfielder Pejman Montazeri. Younes Ali once again provided a well-executed corner kick that was headed towards Pejman by John Benson inside the Al Arabi box. Unmarked, Pejman headed the ball over the head of Al Arabi goalkeeper Hamza who was beaten by the flight of the ball that just sailed above his head.
In the 19th minute, Al Arabi’s Jimenez produced a snap-header from close range but his deflection was pouched by Al Ahli goalkeeper Abdulla al-Dosari. Nine minutes from the first-half whistle, Abdulla scored his second goal of the match off a penalty kick, to put the match beyond doubt.
 In a reckless tackle, Abdulla was brought down by Al Arabi’s Rami Fayez resulting in a penalty kick awarded by referee Fahad al-Marri. Abdulla went for the top left of the net as Ahl Ahli went 3-0 up on home soil.
In the 66th minute, Ahli further stretched their lead to 4-0.  January signing Ali Ferydoon charged into the Al Arabi box and once goalkeeper Hamza stepped out of his position, the Al Ahli player chipped the ball into the net with absolute ease to give the home team a 4-0 lead.
Yusef Adam’s side eased off in the second half, and Al Arabi threatened a late comeback as Jimenez scored two late goals – one from close range in the 76th minute and a freekick in stoppage time. The win ensures that Al Ahli have picked  up their sixth win of the season, ensuring that Ahli have derby bragging rights over rivals Al Arabi.