Two superb goals from Tiago de Leonco saw Muaither register a 2-1 win over Umm Salal in Week 19 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium of Al Gharafa club on Friday.

The strongly-built Brazilian struck in the sixth and 55th minutes, while Ilyas Hamid Brimil scored for Umm Salal in the 62nd minute.

Muaither, who had lost their previous game to Al Sadd 2-4 despite leading by two goals at one stage, did well against Umm Salal as they defended stoutly after The Orange Fortress looked to bounce back in the second half, but even their hard efforts could not help them find the equalizer.

The win saw Muaither clinch the three valuable points to take their tally to 14 points. Umm Salal remained on 20 points.

Muaither gained the upper hand with an early strike with a swift move down the right as Saif Al Mohannadi sent in a through ball and Mohammed Al Sulaiti provided a cross for Leonco, who slided in to deflect the ball into the goal from near the left post.

Minutes later, Al Mohannadi himself was in the striking zone, but hit just wide of the right post.

Umm Salal then tried to make amends and, in the 13th minute, Ali Yahya made a left-foot strike, but it was cut off by Muaither goalkeeper Ivanildo Rodrigues.

In the 34th minute, Umm Salal captain Victor Lekhal had a chance, but he hit over the goal.

Umm Salal hopes were raised in the dying minutes of opening half’s added time as they were initially awarded a penalty after Yahya fell down inside the danger zone. The spot kick was, however, cancelled after a VAR check as there was no foul.

In the second half, Umm Salal were more attacking, but Muaither defended strongly and at the same time hit back soon with their second goal on a counter charge as Jamal Mayor sent in a through ball from near the centreline, which beat the last defence line of the rivals, and Leonco dashed in to go over a charging goalkeeper with the ball which he kicked in at the last moment from an acute angle, from near the right post.

A jolted Umm Salal now launched more attacks and eventually succeeded, with Kenji Gorre latching on to a long ball on the left and sent a fine cross to the right for Brimil to score.

Five minutes later, Brimil himself ran down the right with the ball and was in great position, but crossed it over and the attack fizzled out as Muaither kicked the ball to safety.

There were more efforts from Umm Salal till the very last, but Muaither held on well to ensure victory.