Al Ahli punish Najma in clinical display

Lopez’s men ruthless with set-piece precision

Al Ahli claimed bragging rights in the capital derby with a 4-2 win over Al Najma at Khalifa Sports City, as Angel Lopez’s side found the net with a flurry of well-worked goals.

The opener came inside three minutes. From a distant free-kick, Hamza Buihamghet’s curved delivery evaded the crowded penalty area to pick out Hussain Harwanah, who calmly finished into the far corner. Another set-piece masterstroke arrived on 21 minutes, when Fabrice Onana’s quick-thinking lob released Abdulla Al Hashash, who muscled off defenders before rolling home.

By the 34th minute it was three, Faisal Habib’s shot parried only for Al Hashash to pounce for his second. But the first half ended on a sombre note as Al Ahli’s Buihamghet was stretchered off with a serious neck injury and taken to hospital. Moments later, Dusan Jokovic’s header gave Mohammed Al Shamlan’s Najma hope at 3-1.

After the break, Al Ahli restored their cushion. Vitinha forced a handball from Hussain Al Rifai and Al Hashash completed his brace from the spot. Najma found a late reply through Redha Marhoon in the 83rd minute, following up after Ashraf Douiri’s effort, but it was merely a consolation.

At Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium, Al Shabab and A’ali could not be separated in a goalless draw, with chances at a premium.

The result lifts Al Ahli to 10th with their first win of the season, while Al Najma drop to 11th still looking for theirs. A’ali sit 5th with one win, two draws and a loss, while Al Shabab are 7th with the same record but worse goal difference.

Week 4 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League continues tonight, with Riffa taking on Budaiya and Sitra facing Hidd, both matches kicking off at 7pm.