DOHA, Qatar (Interstat) — In a result that defied pregame projections, Al Sailiya SC secured a 2-1 road victory over Al Arabi in a Qatar Stars League match at Al Thumama Stadium on Monday.

The visitors, entering the contest with a modest league record, stunned the favored home side with two early goals and weathered a late surge and a frantic, card-filled finish to claim the win.

Al Sailiya struck first in the fifth minute. Substitute Anwar El Ghazi, who entered the game early, headed in a cross to give the visitors an immediate advantage. He was instrumental again just 15 minutes later, providing the assist on a goal by fellow substitute Younès Belhanda, who finished from the right side to double the lead.

The first half was a contentious affair, with five yellow cards issued before the break. Al Arabi’s Abdulla Mahmoud was booked in the 13th minute, followed by goalscorer El Ghazi in the 30th. Al Sailiya defender Simo received a yellow in the 43rd minute, and two more were shown in stoppage time to Al Arabi’s Ahmad Moein and Al Sailiya’s Alexis Pérez.

Al Arabi, which had been projected by Interstat’s ELO system with a 90.80 percent probability to win, struggled to break down a resolute Al Sailiya defense for much of the match. The home side finally found a breakthrough in the 81st minute when Rodri scored from the left side to cut the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense finale.

The closing stages descended into further disorder as the referee issued five more yellow cards between the 74th minute and deep into stoppage time. Al Sailiya’s Hadi Tabasideh and Al Arabi’s Rodri were both cautioned in the 74th minute. In extended added time, Al Sailiya’s Abdulla Maarafiya, Gerard Hernandez and Salem Reda were booked, along with Al Arabi’s Mohab Mohamed.

The victory improves Al Sailiya’s Stars League record to two wins and three losses this season. Al Arabi, which had recently found form with a win and a draw in its last two league outings, sees its record shift to 10 wins, nine losses and five draws in the competition.

The result stands in stark contrast to the teams’ previous meeting this season, a 4-0 victory for Al Sailiya last September. It also halts a positive recent run for Al Arabi, which had lost only once in its previous five league matches.

Al Sailiya will look to build on the upset when it travels to face Al Wakrah SC in its next Stars League fixture on April 28. Al Arabi, meanwhile, will aim to rebound in a high-profile derby match away to Al Rayyan SC, also scheduled for April 28.

Key performers in the match included El Ghazi, who contributed a goal and an assist off the bench for Al Sailiya, and Belhanda, who also scored as a substitute. Rodri provided the lone goal for Al Arabi in the losing effort.