The Syrian Premier League witnessed a stunning comeback on June 19, 2026, as Damascus Al Ahli overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Al-Horiyah 3-2 in a breathless encounter at the Al-Horiyah Stadium. The match, which kicked off at 21:55 local time, will be remembered for its dramatic twists and a sensational second-half performance from the visitors.

Match Overview: Al-Horiyah vs. Damascus Al Ahli

Both sides entered the fixture in contrasting form. Al-Horiyah had won three of their last five matches and were looking to consolidate a mid-table position, while Damascus Al Ahli were fighting to escape the bottom half of the table. The first half, however, belonged entirely to the home side, who raced into a commanding lead.

First Half Dominance for Al-Horiyah

Al-Horiyah started with blistering intensity. In the 14th minute, forward Adnan Al-Mustafa latched onto a long ball and fired past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The lead was doubled in the 33rd minute when midfielder Hassan Al-Omar finished a sweeping counter-attack with a low shot into the bottom corner. At half-time, Al-Horiyah looked comfortable, having controlled possession and limited Damascus Al Ahli to just one shot on target.

Second Half Comeback

The visitors emerged transformed after the interval. Damascus Al Ahli manager Ghassan Al-Masri made tactical adjustments, switching to a more aggressive 4-3-3 shape. The change paid off immediately. In the 54th minute, winger Ali Al-Saleh curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner to halve the deficit. Just ten minutes later, substitute striker Mahmoud Al-Raed equalized with a close-range header from a corner, sending the traveling fans into delirium. The comeback was completed in the 78th minute when midfielder Bassel Al-Sheikh unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards that nestled into the bottom corner. Al-Horiyah pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages but could not break through a resolute visiting defense.

Tactical Story

Al-Horiyah’s early dominance came from their high-pressing game and quick transitions, but they struggled to sustain the intensity in the second half. Damascus Al Ahli’s shift in formation and increased urgency disrupted the home side’s rhythm, while their use of set pieces proved decisive. The visitors’ ability to win aerial duels in both boxes was a key factor, particularly on the equalizing goal from a corner.

Standout Players

• Ali Al-Saleh (Damascus Al Ahli): His stunning free-kick sparked the comeback and he was a constant threat from wide areas throughout the second half.
• Mahmoud Al-Raed (Damascus Al Ahli): The impact substitute scored the crucial equalizer and added energy to the attack when introduced.
• Hassan Al-Omar (Al-Horiyah): Scored his team’s second goal and worked hard in midfield, but was unable to prevent the collapse.

Season Impact

The win lifted Damascus Al Ahli three places up the table to 9th, breathing life into their campaign. For Al-Horiyah, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow as they missed the chance to move into the top half. The result also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Syrian Premier League, where no lead is ever safe.