The 38-year-old was serving a ban over the last four months for moving from Ahli to Sion in 2008 without the former club's approval.

His appearance against Hilal was his first competitive one since joining from Zamalek in December.

It was also Merreikh's first competitive game under head coach Hossam Al-Badri, who took charge of the team after parting company with Egyptian champions Ahli last season.

Al-Hadari conceded an opener one minute from the half-hour mark, thanks to a Mortada Abdullah strike.

Adel Abdul-Monem restored parity shortly afterwards while Mosab Omar hit the winner three minutes from half-time.