Twenty-seven goals were scored by African players during the first weekend of April in the Persian Gulf. Among them were some well-known names, as well as some lesser-known ones.
On Matchday 27 of the Saudi Arabian league, several Africans proved decisive.Cape Verde's Julio Tavares scored twice to help Al Raed (13th) beat Al Hazem 2-0. Cameroon's Karl Toko Ekambi scored the only goal of the match between Al-Ettifaq (6th) and Al-Riyadh (1-0). Al Feiha (9th) owed their 3-0 win over Al-Akhdoud to Zambian Fashion Sakala, who scored twice, and Moroccan Abdelhamid Sabiri. Egyptian Mohamed Sherif saved the day for Al-Khaleej (10th) against Al Hilal (1-4).
In the United Arab Emirates (Matchday 18 ), Mali's Moussa Marega earned Al-Sharjah (5th) a draw against Emirates Club (3-3). Al-Bataeh (7th) came from behind to beat Khorfakkan 3-0. Cameroonian Anatole Abang and Malian Sekou Gassama each scored a goal. Morocco's Adel Taarabt scored one of Al Nasr's three goals (6th) in their 3-1 win at Al-Ain.
In Qatar (Matchday 19 ), the Africans struck again. Moroccan Achraf Bencharki helped Al-Rayyan (3rd) to a 1-0 win over Muaither SC. Despite a goal from Tunisia's Ferjani Sassi, Al-Gharafa (2nd) were held to a 1-1 draw by Umm-Salal.
Morocco's Naoufel Bannis scored twice as Al Markhiya (12th) beat Al-Ahli Doha 4-1. Kenyan Michael Olunga, who has been in fine form for both club and country in recent weeks, scored again as Al Duhail (6th) beat Al Sadd 3-1. Finally, Al Arabi (5th) dominated (4-2) Al-Wakrah (4th) away from home, with a goal from Tunisia's Youssef Msakni, while Algeria's Mohamed Benyettou scored both the home side's goals.
In Iraq (matchday 21 ), a goal from Senegalese Dominique Mendy gave Al Najaf (8th) the upper hand against Al Naft. Al Zawraa (3rd) defeated Al Kahraba (1-0) thanks to Nigerian Christopher John. Newroz (5th) dominated (3-2) Baghdad (19th), with a goal from Nigerian Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, while the capital club's goals were scored by Cameroonian Ernest Abang and Ivorian Florent Didier.
In Iran (matchday 22 ), Sanat-Naft (15th) dominated Sepahan (2-1) with a goal from Gambian Boubacarr Trawally.
In Kuwait (title play-offs), Al-Arabi (1era) were held at home by Al-Qadisiya (1-1), despite a goal from Moroccan Hamza Khabba. In the play-off for survival, Kazma SC beat Khatan 3-2, thanks to a brace from Algerian Imadeddine Azzi and a goal from Nigerian Benjamin Teidi.
