Al Arabi secures narrow win over Muaither as Umm Salal trounce Al Wakrah 5-0 in Ooredoo Cup

September 10, 20232 Mins read107 Views

Umm Salal players celebrate a goal against Al Wakrah during their Ooredoo Cup match at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Saturday. Photo Credit: QSL

The 2023-2024 Ooredoo Cup season began yesterday in Group A with the Amir Cup champions Al Arabi narrowly defeating Muaither 2-1, while Umm Salal, last edition’s finalists, secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Al Wakrah.

In another Group A match, Qatar SC rallied to begin their campaign with a 2-1 triumph over Al Ahli.

At the Grand Hamad Stadium, Younes Ali’s Al Arabi overcame an early setback when Mohammed Salah El Neel scored for Muaither in the 16th minute, capitalizing on goalkeeper Noureldin Ahmad’s error. However, the Dream Team responded swiftly, with Rami Suhail equalizing just two minutes later. Abdulla Al Muraisi’s superb header from a corner kick in the 34th minute proved to be the decisive goal, as Al Arabi secured three points.

Later, Umm Salal put on a dominant display to thrash Al Wakrah and begin the tournament in style. Khalid Mansour (15′), Abdulla Khalid (44′), Andy Delort (71′), Mashaal Al Shamari (75′), and Ali Afif (90′, penalty) were the scorers for Umm Salal at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Al Arabi players celebrate their winning goal against Muaither at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. Photo Credit: QSL

Meanwhile, Qatar SC secured the winning goal from Abdulrahman Al Kurbi, who struck a crucial goal from outside the box in the 72nd minute at the Saoud Bin Abulrahman Stadium. Earlier, Qatar SC’s substitute Ali Awad scored a fabulous goal from outside the box in the 66th minute to level the scores after Ali Qaderi had given Al Ahli the lead in the 31st minute.

Al Sadd withdraw, Al Duhail set to defend title

In a setback for the tournament, Al Sadd, a prominent team in Qatar, has withdrawn from this season’s Ooredoo Cup.

The reason cited for their withdrawal is the non-availability of players, primarily due to their commitments with Qatar teams.

The club has submitted an official letter to the Qatar Stars League (QSL) Management, expressing their regret for not participating in the tournament this year.

Al Sadd has stated that this decision is due to the call-ups for 21 players to various national teams, in addition to several players being sidelined with long-term injuries.

The QSL has announced an amendment to its schedule for the tournament following this development.

Meanwhile, the Group B action will commence today, with defending champions Al Duhail set to meet Al Shamal at Grand Hamad Stadium.

Al Gharafa will take on Al Markhiya in today’s other match at Saoud Bin Abulrahman Stadium.