Al-Shabab narrowly defeats Al-Jahra in the Zain Premier League

Al-Shabab overcame their guests Al-Jahra 3-2 this evening (Wednesday) in the first round of the “Zain” Premier League football competition. “Azraq Al-Ahmadi” secured their first three points, while “Al-Jahrawi” remained without any points. Al-Shabab dominated the first half completely, while Al-Jahra, who fielded a starting lineup composed exclusively of local players with no foreign professionals, retreated into their defensive third and registered no notable attacking attempts. Al-Shabab’s player Mohammed Al-Qahtani opened the scoring after a good follow-up on a ball rebounding from Al-Jahra goalkeeper Mubarak Al-Harbi (24th minute). Al-Shabab defender Saad Al-Athab sent a powerful long-range shot that Al-Jahra goalkeeper Mubarak Al-Harbi barely diverted for a corner kick (38th minute), ending the first half with Al-Shabab leading 1-0. In the second half, Al-Shabab scored a second goal through Brazilian Matheus Toto from a penalty kick (56th minute). Substitute Abdulrahman Al-Dhafiri narrowed the gap for Al-Jahra by scoring their first goal from a penalty, successfully finding the net past Al-Shabab goalkeeper Jasem Al-Awadi (64th minute). Al-Jahra player Fahad Al-Salameh equalized by scoring their second goal with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area (73rd minute). Toto snatched the winning goal for Al-Shabab after an excellent cross from substitute Yaqoub Al-Tararwa (90+5th minute). International referee Saud Al-Samhan officiated the match with distinction, thanks to his sound decisions and close proximity to the action.