While the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait championships were on break last weekend, the others went ahead as normal. In Saudi Arabia (Matchday 13), a brace from Cameroonian Léandre Tawamba enabled Al Akhdoud (16th) to beat Al Hazem (2-1). Al Khaleej (12th) won (3-1) against Al-Taee (15th), with a goal from Egyptian Mohamed Sherif. Ghanaian Bernard Mensah scored for the visitors.
Damac (10th) held leaders Al-Ahli to a 2-2 draw, thanks in particular to a goal from Algerian Farouk Chafai.The match between Al-Raed (17th) and Al-Shabab (11th) ended in a 2-1 win for the home side. All the goals were scored by Africans: Cape Verde’s Julio Tavares and Morocco’s Karim El Bakraoui on the one hand, and Atlas Lions captain Romain Saïss on the other. Cameroon’s Karl Toko Ekambi scored for Abha (13th), beaten (2-4) by Al-Ittihad.
In Bahrain (Matchday 6), Cameroonian Jérôme Etamé helped Esat Riffa (3) beat Al-Rifaa (1-0). Ghanaian Joseph Ansah was also decisive for Al-Hala (5) against Al-Shabbab (1-0). Al-Hidd (10th) were beaten 3-5 at home by Sitra (8th). Ivorian Paved Jacob Atton (2 goals) and Congolese Jacques Medina Themapole scored for the hosts, and Ghanaian Alexander Amponsah for the visitors.
In Iraq, three Nigerians were decisive: Christopher John, scorer of the only goal of the match won (1-0) by Al-Zawraa (6th) in Al-Hudod and the duo of Okiki Afolabi and Samson Gbadebo, who helped Al-Naft (12th) draw with Al Kharaba (2-2).
