Umm Salal's Naim Laidouni (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal.
Doha, Qatar: Umm Salal yesterday pulled off a shock 2-1 win over nine-man Al Duhail at Al Khor Stadium, boosting their chances of escaping relegation.
Bottom-placed Umm Salal were propelled by goals from Antonio Mance (45+4) and Naim Laidouni (72), after Bassam Al Rawi had levelled for Al Duhail in the 51st minute.
The win lifted Umm Salal to 12 points and temporarily moved them off the bottom of the table, while last season’s runners-up Al Duhail remain sixth and could drop further depending on other results this week.
Al Duhail’s troubles began early when Luis Martin was sent off in the sixth minute for a reckless challenge on Ahmed Abdel-Maqsoud. Umm Salal were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute after Salah Zakaria fouled Osama Tannane, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving the spot-kick.
The situation worsened for Al Duhail when Benjamin Bourigeaud received a red card in the 39th minute following a tackle on Abdou Diallo, leaving his side with nine men. Umm Salal capitalised just before half-time as Cristo’s cross was turned in by Mance.
Al Duhail briefly fought back after the break when Al Rawi levelled from a direct free-kick, but Umm Salal regained the lead when Laidouni headed home from a corner. Despite late pressure, Umm Salal held on for a crucial victory.
