Al Arabi have managed their first win of the season thanks to a 2-1 defeat of Qatar SC in the third week of the QNB Stars League at Grand Hamad Stadium yesterday.
The win comes on the back of two defeats for Al Arabi, having lost 1-3 to Al Sailiya and 0-2 to Al Duhail. It should also be a catalyst for the team that boasts of the widest fanbase in Qatar to get back to winning ways.
The team have not really been challenging for titles in the past few years and are led this season by Tunisia’s Kais Yaakoubi, who should be relieved with the win.
On the other hand, Qatar SC remain on three points, courtesy their 1-0 win over Al Markhiya in the second week of the season. They had lost their opening match to Al Duhail 2-3.
Brazilian midfielder Diego Jardel opened the scoring for Al Arabi in the ninth minute before Syrian forward Mardik Mardikian doubled their lead two minutes from the break. Youssef al-Kubaisi pulled one back for Qatar SC in the 63rd minute, but they couldn’t find the net again.
Gameweek 3 had kicked off on Thursday with a 5-2 win for Al Sailiya over Al Markhiya. On Friday, Al Duhail beat Al Rayyan 5-3, Al Sadd defeated Al Gharafa 2-1, while Al Kharaitiyat and Al Ahli shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Al Arabi will next take on Umm Salal, who beat Al Ahli 2-0 in the second match of the day yesterday. Yannick Sagbo put Umm Salal on the board in the 23rd minute, before Mahir Yousef doubled the lead in extra time.
Umm Salal are in third spot with seven points behind the unbeaten Al Duhail and Al Sadd, who have nine points each.
Qatar SC face Al Sadd in their next match.