Damascus Al Ahli 0–1 Al-Jaish Damascus | Syrian Premier League | June 24, 2026

In a fiercely contested Damascus derby at the Tishreen Stadium, Al-Jaish Damascus snatched a narrow 1–0 victory over local rivals Al Ahli, courtesy of a second-half strike. The win strengthens Al-Jaish's title charge, while Al Ahli remain stuck in mid-table after a frustrating evening.

Match Overview

Both sides entered the match with contrasting ambitions: Al-Jaish chasing the league leaders, Al Ahli hoping to climb toward the top six. The game was played at a high tempo from the start, with little separating the teams until a moment of individual brilliance decided the contest. Al Ahli pressed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages but could not find a way past a resolute Al-Jaish defense.

Key Moments

• 63' – Goal Al-Jaish: A free kick from the left flank was swung into the box, and Mohammad Al Wakid rose highest to power a header into the top corner.
• 78' – Al Ahli chance: Striker Omar Khribin saw his close-range effort brilliantly saved by Al-Jaish goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma.
• 89' – Red card: Al Ahli midfielder Hussein Jwayed received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, reducing the home side to ten men for the final minutes.

Tactical Story

Al-Jaish lined up in a cautious 4-2-3-1, happy to cede possession (44% overall) and hit on the counter. Al Ahli dominated the ball but struggled to break down a well-organized low block. The winning goal came from a set piece, highlighting Al-Jaish's effectiveness from dead-ball situations. Al Ahli's lack of creativity in the final third cost them dearly.

Standout Players

• Mohammad Al Wakid (Al-Jaish): His powerful header was the difference; he also won seven aerial duels.
• Ibrahim Alma (Al-Jaish): The veteran goalkeeper made three crucial saves, including the one from Khribin that preserved the clean sheet.
• Fahd Al Haj (Al Ahli): The left-back was a constant threat overlapping, but his crosses found no takers.

Season & Table Impact

Al-Jaish's victory lifts them to second place in the Syrian Premier League standings, now just two points behind leaders Tishreen with a game in hand. For Al Ahli, the defeat leaves them in eighth place, six points adrift of the top six. The derby loss also hurts their momentum after a promising run of three games without defeat.