Doha: Al Shamal secured a 3-2 victory over Al Arabi in a thrilling match at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday, maintaining their lead in the Doha Bank Stars League after four rounds of competition. It was Al Shamal's fourth straight win and took their tally to 12 points, while Al Arabi are on four points.

According to Qatar News Agency, Mohammad Mannai scored a brace in the 32nd and 68th minutes, while Baghdad Bounedjah added another goal from a penalty kick in the 64th minute. For Al Arabi, Yazan Al Naimat found the net in the 45+1 minute, and Jordan Veretout scored in the 72nd minute.

Al Shamal opened the scoring with a goal off a long corner kick, which was intercepted by Bounedjah and pushed in by Mannai. Al Arabi equalized when Al Naimat broke through and struck past defenders.

On the hour mark, Al Arabi goalkeeper Yousef Hassan made two quick saves, but Alhashmi Mohialdin fouled against Bounedjah, resulting in a penalty. Bounedjah scored from the spot, bringing the score to 2-1. Mannai's second goal was a smooth effort from just inside the box, which put Al Shamal 3-1 ahead.

Frenchman Veretout's fine strike made it 2-3 for Al Arabi, but despite their best efforts, they could not equalize again.