Al Markhiya escaped direct relegation and clinched the relegation Play-Off spot with a fighting 1-1 draw against Umm Salal in the last and final Week 22 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi Club on Sunday.

While Kenji Gorre struck the opening goal for Umm Salal in the seventh minute, the crucial equalizer for Al Markhiya came from Driss Fettouhi in the 33rd minute.

Al Markhiya thereon did well to defend their citadel and ensure a stalemate. With Muaither going down 3-4 to Al Arabi in another Week 22 match played simultaneously, Al Markhiya’s passage became clear.

Al Markhiya ended the league championship in the 11th place in the rankings with 18 points (five wins, three draws and 14 losses), while Umm Salal finished in seventh place with 28 points (seven wins, as many draws and eight losses).

Muaither finished at the bottom in 12th place with 14 points (three wins, five draws and 14 losses).

Umm Salal began the clash against Al Markhiya on a bright note when Gorre got to a long ball following a counter. Unmarked on the left and inside the box, he gave little chance to the defenders as he struck on the bounce into the far right corner.

Al Markhiya then showed superb resilience as they matched their rivals looking to attack and soon they got the opportunity as Talal Ali crossed over the ball from the right flank to Fettouhi in the centre, who moved to the left before sending in a powerful left-foot kick which swung into the right corner of the net.

It was Moroccan midfielder Fettouhi’s fourth goal of the season and one of the most important ones for Al Markhiya.

Al Markhiya thus guaranteed their place in the relegation Play-Off.