Brazilian pro Romarinho produced a sensational stoppage-time winner as El Jaish clinched a thrilling 4-3 win over a spirited Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League yesterday.
The match appeared headed for a 3-3 draw but the stocky forward came up with a brilliant individual run evading several Al Arabi defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give Sabri Lamouchi’s side a famous victory.
El Jaish started the tie on the front foot, and laid down early marker on the fifth minute when captain Seidou Keita whipped a free-kick just wide.
It was the Malian midfielder’s only significant contribution of the match as he was promptly substituted after a knock on the 8th minute, much to the concern of coach Lamouchi.
The Soldiers bossed the early exchanges, and deservedly opened the scoring on the 21st minute. Uzbeki winger Sardor Rashidov was dangerous on the wing and delivered a defensive splitting pass to Magid Mohamed who masterfully evaded his marker Mustapha Sall for a simple tap-in.
Al Arabi looked shell shocked and defended for their lives against the consistent El Jaish attacks. Dream team defender Omar al-Amadi managed a long distance shot, which was easily saved by El Jaish keeper Khalifa Ababacar.
El Jaish thundered into a two goal lead on the 38th minute, a perfect cross from Mohamed Yazeedi finding Hamza and the young attacker heading past Arabi stopper Rajab Hamza for his first goal for his team.
On the stroke of half-time, Al Arabi where handed a lifeline after the referee pointed to the penalty spot when midfielder Omar al-Amadi was knocked down in the area. Captain Boualem Khoukhi stepped up and slotted away first time, only for the referee to spot an infringement in the area meaning the spot kick had to be retaken. Boualem stepped up again blasted into the bottom left hand side of the goal, with El Jaish going into the break with a 2-1 lead.
The second half started with a host of changes with Al Arabi bringing on Paulinho and new signing Ahmed Maqsoud. Jaish also brought on attacker Romarinho in a bid to push on for the win. Sabri Lamouchi’s substitution could have paid off in the 50th minute when Romarinho was bundled down in the box after a surging run. However, the penalty claim was turned down by the referee.
Al Arabi found the equalizer on the 60th minute, courtesy Mohamed Jumma. The defender’s well placed shot from outside the box evaded keeper Ababacar and nestled into the back of the net, leaving the Dream Team faithful in raptures.
After the goal Al Arabi kept possession well, probing for a winning goal as El Jaish seemingly tired. Al Arabi grabbed a third on the 76th minute after a moment of magic from winger Imoh Ezekiel. The Nigerian international exchanged passes on the right wing, beating two El Jaish defenders in the process and pulled it back for Yusef Ahmed who tapped in for his second goal of the season.
El Jaish pushed hard for an equalizer and where deservedly rewarded with five minutes to spare, Sardor Rashidov unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box. Unfortunately the effort rebounded off Arabi midfielder Ahmed Fatehi and into the back into the net.
Earlier, Al Khor edged Al Sailiya 1-0 in an end-to-end battle at Al Khor stadium. The Knights won the game thanks to a first half penalty converted by Brazilian attacker Madson.
The first half was a tale of two penalties. Al Sailiya had the first chance to break the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute. Sayaf Mohsin of Sailiya was fouled by Khor captain, Mustafa Jalal, inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Bahraini striker Faouzi Aaish stepped up for Al Sailiya the penalty but his effort was saved by Papa Djibril.
Moments later in the twentieth minute Al Khor were awarded a penalty on the other end when Abduraouf Hussain of Sailiya tripped Mosaab Abdulmajed of Al Khor. Madson stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it to the right past the Sailiya keeper, Gregory Gomis.
The second half was a tight affair with both sides trying to score. However, both defences stepped up their game and did not provide any telling opportunities for the attackers.
The match ended 1-0 in favour of Jean Fernandez’s men who held on for the three points. Sami Trabelsi, the Sailiya coach, will have to go back to the drawing board and hope that his team can turn their fortunes around after the international break.
Meanwhile, Al Shahania grabbed their first victory of the QSL season against fellow promoted side Muaither in a lively match. Shahania grabbed the only goal of the tie midway through the first half courtesy of summer signing Mohamed Tiaïba.
Both teams started the game positively seeking to get the better of their rivals. Muaither enjoyed the lion share of possession in the first half.
Against the run of play, Shahania opened the scoring on the 31st minute. A long goal kick was knocked down to midfielder Edu who calmly squared the ball to Tiaïba who beat the oncoming defender to pass the ball into the bottom right hand corner.