I have been following the Syrian football league this season extensively, and it has been quite the amazing for certain clubs, and a huge disappointment for others. Al Karamah (Homs) the league champions for the past 3 years were struggling in the first half of the season and just managed to finish the first half in the mid-table region. On the other hand Al Ittihad of Aleppo (or Al Ahly), were one of the strongest contenders battling through out the first half of the season until they topped the league above Al Jaish (Damascus) and Al Majd (Damascus).
The Second half of the season took a different turn. Al Ittihad remained top of the league for the entire time, while Al Karamah finally rediscovered their game and their goal touch, climbing slowly up the ranks of the league, beating Al-Ittihad 1-0. In the final 10 games of the league (which is technically the second half of the season minus three games since the league is only 14 clubs) Al Karamah managed to win 8 games, draw 1 and lost 1, while Al Ittihad won 4, drew 2 and lost 4.
By the end of the season Al Karamah managed to amass equal points to that of Al-Ittihad, 52 points each with Al Ittihad on top on goal difference. However, this is not how the Syrian League works. If two teams end up with equal points at the end of the season they play one more decisive game to determine the winner of the league. That game was played yesterday. A poll on the Syrian National News Agency (SANA) showed that most people though Al Ittihad were going to win the game and so on the 21st minute a penalty was given to Al Ittihad which Otobong Ene Ede, the Cameroonian National converted with ease past Mosab Balhous, the Karamah Goalkeeper. Everything seemed to be going as predicted until Mohammad Al Hamwi scored an equalizer in the 71st minute, rounding a defender from the right side of the penalty area and taking a shot which deflected off an Ittihad defender sending the goalkeeper in a completely wrong direction.
A killer typical goal by Al Karamah then came in the 95th minute of extra time (Al Karamah made it a habit of scoring late goals). A cross from the right side was headed back into the 6 yard box where Eyad Mando was left unmarked. Having all the time and ease to place the ball in the top right hand corner of the goal sending Al Kramah fans into ruptures.
By that Al Karamah ended an amazing season for themselves, while Al Ittihad will be left wondering where did it all go wrong.
It was good to see teams from Damascus up there again, Al Jaish playing really well so was Al Majd. Terrible to see Al Wahda unable to compete since I am a Wi7dawee... next season maybe ? haha..
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