Doha: Al Markhiya battled from being a goal down to defeat Al Arabi 2-1 in their crucial Week 21 clash of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.

Star striker Yusupha Njie (41st minute) and Talal Ali (87th minute) scored for Al Markhiya after Omar Al Somah (seventh-minute penalty) had provided Al Arabi the lead.

Their fifth win of the season saw Al Markhiya elevate themselves to 17 points after being bottom-placed all through, while Al Arabi, after seventh loss of the season, remained on 26 points.

Al Markhiya faced an uphill battle soon after the start as a VAR for a defensive tackle foul saw them being handed a penalty, with Al Somah making the strike for The Dream Team.

Al Markhiya, however, held their nerves and rose to the occasion as their Gambian professional Njie beautifully beat two defenders and the goalkeeper in front of the goal to fetch the equalizer.

With the scores levelled at 1-1, both sides battled hard and held on tight in their defence for long. I
n the 65th minute, two Al Markhiya players rushed into the box to get hold of a long ball, but Al Arabi’s Helal Mohammed did well to push the ball towards the goalkeeper and safety.

It was only late in the second session that Al Markhiya got the winner and in an exciting way. As a long and powerful drive from about yards outside the box by Driss Fettouhi spilled out of Al Arabi goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail’s hands, Talal Ali rushed in to gain control and put the ball back into the net.

The goal sent Al Markhiya’s players and fans into a frenzy alike.

Al Markhiya and the now bottom-placed Muaither, who lost 3-5 to Qatar SC, have been in a battle to avoid relegation and the former will seek to rise further in the final Week 22 when Al Markhiya will meet Umm Salal, and Muaither will battle Al Arabi.

Source: Qatar News Agency