Al Arabi took control late in the first period when Pablo Sarabia converted from the spot in the 38th minute. The penalty was awarded after Abdulrahman Fayez was sent off, leaving Umm Salal with ten players.
Al Arabi took control late in the first period when Pablo Sarabia converted from the spot in the 38th minute. The penalty was awarded after Abdulrahman Fayez was sent off, leaving Umm Salal with ten players.
Until that moment, the contest had remained competitive, but the dismissal shifted the momentum firmly toward The Dream Team. Sarabia’s successful kick gave the visitors a crucial lead heading into the interval.
The numerical disadvantage placed immediate pressure on Umm Salal, forcing them to adjust their shape and defensive approach for the remainder of the match.
Soon after the restart, Al Arabi increased their lead when Jean-Eudes Aholou accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 48th minute. The goal made the situation even more difficult for the home side.
Karl Toko Ekambi then added a third in the 58th minute, further strengthening Al Arabi’s position. Just four minutes later, Isaac Lihadji scored to make it 4-0 and effectively put the outcome beyond doubt.
Despite their strong position, Al Arabi were later reduced to ten men in the 75th minute. Al Hashmi Al Hussain initially received a yellow card, but after a VAR check, it was upgraded to a red.
Umm Salal showed resilience and reduced the gap in the 69th minute through Naim Laidouni. The goal provided the home supporters with hope of a comeback.
Antonio Mance added another in the 88th minute with a header, cutting the deficit to two goals and setting up a tense finish.
Mance had the opportunity to score again during stoppage time from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Jasem Al Hail made the save to preserve the result.
The victory lifted Al Arabi to 23 points in the standings, while Umm Salal stayed at the bottom with nine points.
