Al Wakrah's Ayoub Asal celebrates with teammates.
Doha, Qatar: A dazzling double by Ayoub Assal and a luminous display of teamwork helped Al Wakrah kick off the new Expo Stars League season with a resounding 3-0 win over Muaither at Al Janoub Stadium, yesterday.
Al Wakrah posed a strong challenge against Muaither, newly promoted as Second Division champions, from the starting whistle yesterday, as The Blue Wave wasted no time in emphasising their dominance.
Mohamed Benyettou netted the first goal of the season at the 44th-minute mark before Assal stepped into the spotlight. The 21-year-old rising English star Asal then delivered a stunning goal in the 45+3 minute when he converted a well-placed shot from the centre of the box, beating the Muaither custodian Ivanildo Rodrigues.
Despite halftime changes made by Muaither, Al Wakrah maintained their commanding position. Assal then delivered another stunner, completing his brace in the 72nd minute with another powerful right-footed shot that found the bottom left corner of the net.
Al Shamal hold Al Arabi
Also yesterday, Al Shamal snatched a thrilling 1-1 draw against Al Arabi at the Al Thumama Stadium in the inaugural match of the ESL.
In a roller-coaster encounter, Al Arabi seemed like they were heading for a victorious start thanks to an own goal from Al Shamal's Matias Nani at the 29th-minute, before a determined Al Shamal staged an impressive comeback just before the final whistle.
Al Shamal's Ali Olwan emerged as the hero in the final moments of injury time (90+2') when the Jordan international cleverly executed a goal to disappoint Al Arabi to level the scores. The fierce encounter featured a series of electrifying moments, starting with Al Arabi's Tunisian star Youssef Msakni's early attempt for an opener in the 11th minute.
The attempt was spoiled by Al Shamal's goalkeeper Babacar Seck, but the strike upped the tempo in the eventful encounter.
Al Shamal were equally dangerous, with forward Ricardo Gomes making few attempts in search of a goal. He almost scored in the 14th minute, but the right-footed shot hit the left post, much to the relief of Al Arabi players and coach Younus Ali.
As the match progressed, Al Arabi fought vigilantly despite Al Shamal's solid defense.
Gomes' efforts for Al Shamal were evident, but his 57th-minute strike was ruled offside by the vigilant referee.
In the final stages, Al Shamal seized a last-minute opportunity, as Olwan's goal left Al Arabi stunned.
