Match Report: Al-Ittihad Ahli of Aleppo 2–0 Al-Jaish Damascus | Syrian Premier League

Al-Ittihad Ahli of Aleppo delivered a commanding performance on home soil, sweeping aside Al-Jaish Damascus 2–0 in a Friday night showdown at the Aleppo International Stadium. The result sees the Aleppo side strengthen their grip on the upper half of the Syrian Premier League table, while Al-Jaish are left to rue a night of wasted chances and defensive lapses.

First Half: Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone

The hosts wasted no time imposing themselves. Inside the opening 12 minutes, a swift counter-attack ended with a clinical finish from winger Mahmoud Al-Mawas, who slotted home after a perfectly weighted through ball from veteran playmaker Firas Al-Khatib. The goal silenced the traveling Al-Jaish supporters and gave Al-Ittihad the platform to control the tempo.

Al-Jaish responded with spells of possession, but their attempts to break down a well-organized Aleppo defense were repeatedly thwarted. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma was forced into two sharp saves, tipping a long-range strike from Mohammed Al-Waked over the bar and smothering a close-range header from striker Omar Al-Somah just before the interval.

Second Half: Sealing the Victory

The second period followed a similar pattern. Al-Jaish pushed for an equalizer, but Al-Ittihad remained dangerous on the break. In the 67th minute, a corner from Hussein Al-Jwayed was met powerfully by center-back Jehad Al-Baour, whose header flew past the helpless Damascus goalkeeper. The 2–0 advantage allowed Al-Ittihad to sit deeper and protect their lead, with Al-Jaish unable to find a way through.

Key Performers and Tactical Story

Al-Ittihad’s game plan was built on defensive solidity and rapid transitions. Right-back Mohammad Rihawi was outstanding, winning 10 of 12 duels and providing an outlet on the flank. For Al-Jaish, the absence of creative midfielder Tamer Hajj due to injury was keenly felt; they lacked incision in the final third.

League Impact

The victory moves Al-Ittihad Ahli of Aleppo to 34 points from 18 matches, keeping them firmly in the race for a top-three finish and a potential AFC Cup spot. Al-Jaish remain on 27 points, slipping to sixth place. With the season reaching its critical phase, every result in the Syrian Premier League standings matters.