Tribune News Network Doha
Al Arabi were back as the QNB Stars League new season leaders with a 2-0 win over Al Markhiya in their Week 3 match played at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday.The star of the match for Al Arabi, who moved to the top of the standings with nine points, was their international Youssef Msakni. The Tunisian was instrumental in both the goals.Msakni first was involved with an assist in the 49th minute for Omar Al Somah to score, while in the 73rd minute, Msakni himself delivered a successful header.Following a goalless opening half, Al Arabi struck soon in the second session and held sway for most part of the match. Msakni was involved in most of Al Arabi’s attacking action against Al Markhiya. His hard efforts were rewarded when Al Arabi set up an attack from top the box and Msakni who was on the left inside the danger area beat a charging goalkeeper by making a fine pass on the right to an unmarked Al Somah, who gleefully put the ball in an empty net.Later, Msakni made the most of a perfect long pass from Ibrahim Kalla by heading over his left shoulder for his first and his team’s second goal.The strike dampened Al Markhiya’s hopes of a comeback. But Al Arabi clearly were the dominating side on the day, raiding the rival goal several times.The league leaders, and last season’s quarter-finalists, could have ended with more goals had it not been for some close missed chances.Abdulaziz Al Ansari’s left kick just missed the goal post by inches on the right in the 67th minute while Al Somah’s shot wide with none to beat in the 88th minute.Al Markhiya had their fair share of chances in the first half with Hamroun Jugurtha and Driss Fettouhi making attempts. In the 25th minute, Al Arabi’s goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada had a forceful fall on his back while trying to collect an Al Markhiya corner kick. Thankfully, the goalie was back on his feet soon.
