Everywhere in the Persian Gulf, with the exception of Bahrain and Iran, African players shone during the last weekend of March. The Moroccan Walid Azarou in particular, who scored a quadruple in the United Arab Emirates.
On matchday 25 of the Saudi Arabian league, Abha (17th) drew 1-1 at Al-Riyadh thanks to Guinean François Kamano. Al-Raed (12th) won (3-1) at Al-Akhdoud thanks to goals from Moroccans Karim El Barkaoui and Mohamled Fouzair and Cape Verdean Julio Tavares. Al-Ettifaq (6th) were held at home by Al-Ahli (2-2) despite the opening goal scored by Ivorian African champion Seko Fofana. Al-Ittihad (4th) dominated (3-1) Al-Feiha (9th), with a goal from Moroccan Abderrazak Hamdallah, while his compatriot Ahbelhamid Sabiri saved the honor for the visitors. Togolese Khaled Narey gave Al-Khaleej (10th) a 1-0 win in Damac. Al-Shabab (4th) fell at home to Al-Hilal (3-4). Moroccan Romain Saïss scored his team's third goal.
In the United Arab Emirates (round 17), Moroccan Walid Azarou put in a major performance, scoring all four goals for Ajman (10th) in their 4-2 win over Ittihad Kalba. Al Wasl (1st) easily overcame Khorfakkan (3-0) with a goal from Mali's Siaka Sidibé.Cameroonian Petrus Boumal opened the scoring for Al-Bataeh (7th) against Al-Jazira (3-2). Bani Yas (9th) won (2-1) against Emirates Club with a goal from Mali's Youssouf Niakaté. There was no winner between Al-Ain (2nd) and Al Sharjah (5th). Togolese Kodjo Laba scored for the hosts and Tunisian Firas Ben Larbi for the visitors.
Anang, Tomiwa and Amri effective
In Qatar (Matchday 19), Al-Wakrah (3rd) won easily (5-1) against Qatar SC (10th), who had opened the scoring thanks to Ivorian Yannick Boli. Double strikes from Algeria's Mohamed Benyettou and Angola's Gelson Dala gave Al-Wakrah the lead.Shamal (7th) defeated Al-Ahli Doha (8th) 2-1, thanks to Algerian Mohamed Omar and Cape Verdean Ricardo Gomes, while Guinean Sekou Yansane scored for the team from the capital.
In Iraq (Matchday 20), Baghdad (18th) were held to a 1-1 draw by Naft Missan, despite a goal from Cameroonian Ernest Anang. Duhok (4th) struggled to overcome Al Quwa (2-1), thanks in particular to a goal from Tunisia's Imed Louati.Nigeria's Ibrahim Tomiwa scored twice as Newroz (6th) won 4-2 at Karbala.
On the 20th day of the Kuwaiti championship, Al Kuwait (1st) comfortably beat Al Naser (3-0) with a goal from Tunisian Yassine Amri.Al Arabi (2nd) drew at Al Salmiya (1-1) thanks to a penalty from Moroccan Hamza Khabba. Al-Qadisiya (3rd) crushed Al Fahaheel (5-2), thanks in particular to a penalty from Libyan Mohamed Sawlah.
In Oman (matchday 14), Al Nahda (2nd) beat Ibri (2-0) thanks to Congolese (DRC) Walter Bwalya and Algerian Billel Bensaha. Al Rustaq (8th) dominated (3-2) Bahla with a goal from Guinea's Bangaly Soumahoro.
