**Match Report: Al-Sadd vs Al-Arabi**
Al-Sadd were held to a 2-2 draw by Al-Arabi in a competitive encounter, in their Expo Stars League Week 17 clash at Al-Thumama Stadium on Sunday.
The result means that Al-Sadd maintained their lead at the top of the league table, after the point from the match took their tally to 37. The goals for Al-Sadd came from a brace by Akram Afif (18′, 20′), while Al-Arabi responded with goals from Rafael Alcantara (38′) and Omar Al-Somah (90+9′).
The match kicked off with both teams displaying energy and determination. In the second minute, Baghdad Bounedjah of Al-Sadd came close to securing the first goal after a well-timed pass from Akram Afif. Nevertheless, Jassem Al-Hail, Al-Arabi’s goalkeeper, intervened effectively, thwarting the scoring attempt.
Al-Sadd took the lead in the 18th minute, with Akram Afif unleashing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. The team extended its advantage in the 20th minute when Afif scored a second goal with a well-placed shot over the goalkeeper.
Al-Arabi managed to reduce the deficit in the 38th minute when Rafinha scored with a forceful shot from the edge of the penalty area.
The second half saw both teams intensify their efforts. Al-Sadd made strategic substitutions in the 67th minute, introducing Musaab Khidir and Ahmed Suhail in place of Baghdad Bounedjah and Gonzalo Plata. Hassan Al-Haydos entered the game, replacing Moustafa Tarek in the 75th minute.
In the 89th minute, Al-Arabi had an opportunity to level the score from the penalty spot, following a handball in the box. However, Omar Al-Somah’s attempt was expertly denied by Saad Al-Dosari.
A dramatic turn of events in the 9th minute of injury time saw Al-Somah secure the equalizer for Al-Arabi with a precise glancing header, concluding the match with a 2-2 draw.
