Persian Gulf: Azarou scores four, Narey, Benyettou and Gelson Dala decisive, Fofana and Kamano on target
African players shone in the leagues across the Persian Gulf region with some eye-catching performances.
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In matchday 25 of the Saudi Arabia league, Abha (17th) earned a point in a 1-1 draw 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 from Cape Verdean Julio Tavares. Al-Ettifaq (6th) were held at home by Al-Ahli (2-2) despite an opener from African champion Seko Fofana of Ivory Coast. Al-Ittihad (4th) beat Al-Feiha (9th) 3-1, with a goal from Moroccan Abderrazak Hamdallah, while his compatriot Ahbelhamid Sabiri pulled one back for the visitors. Togolese player Khaled Narey helped Al-Khaleej (10th) to a 1-0 win at Damac. Al-Shabab (4th) lost at home to Al-Hilal (3-4). Moroccan Romain Saïss scored his side's third goal.
In the United Arab Emirates (matchday 17), Moroccan Walid Azarou produced a stand-out display, scoring all four of Ajman's goals (10th) in their 4-2 win over Ittihad Kalba. Al Wasl (1st) comfortably beat Khorfakkan (3-0), with a goal from Malian 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 Malian Youssouf Niakaté. There was no winner between Al-Aïn (2nd) and Al Sharjah (5th). Togolese player Kodjo Laba scored for the hosts and Tunisian Firas Ben Larbi for the visitors.
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Anang, Tomiwa and Amri among the goals
In Qatar (matchday 19), Al-Wakrah (3rd) comfortably won 5-1 against Qatar SC (10th), who had taken the lead through Ivorian Yannick Boli. But braces from Algerian Mohamed Benyettou and Angolan Gelson Dala made the difference for Al-Wakrah. Shamal (7th) beat Al-Ahli Doha (8th) 2-1, thanks to Algerian Mohamed Omar and Cape Verdean Ricardo Gomes, while Guinean Sekou Yansane scored for the capital side.
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) edged past Al Quwa 2-1, notably thanks to a goal from Tunisian Imed Louati. Nigerian Ibrahim Tomiwa scored a brace as Newroz (6th) won 4-2 at Karbala. In matchday 20 of the Kuwait league, Al Kuwait (1st) comfortably beat Al Naser (3-0) with a goal from Tunisian Yassine Amri. Al Arabi (2nd) drew 1-1 at Al Salmiya thanks to a penalty from Moroccan Hamza Khabba. Al-Qadisiya (3rd) thrashed Al Fahaheel (5-2), notably with a penalty from Libyan Mohamed Sawlah.
In Oman (matchday 14), Al Nahda (2nd) beat Ibri 2-0 thanks to Walter Bwalya of DR Congo and Algerian Billel Bensaha. Al Rustaq (8th) beat Bahla 3-2 with a goal from Guinean Bangaly Soumahoro.
Alexis Billebault