Alkass English
Al Sadd reignited their Doha Bank Stars League 2025-26 campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in Week 2 at Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday. Goals from Pedro Miguel (57’) and Akram Afif (90’) secured the champions’ first win of the season.
Having lost their opener to Qatar SC, Al Sadd were made to work hard after a goalless first half. Miguel broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, finishing into the top corner after Afif’s indirect corner had sparked a scramble in the area.
The match was sealed late on when Afif raced onto a perfectly timed through ball from Roberto Firmino, outsprinting both a defender and goalkeeper Yazan Naim before celebrating with the fans.
Al Sadd could have added a third in stoppage time, but Giovani Henrique missed an open goal, while goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham made key saves to deny Suhaib Gannan and Ibrahima Diallo for Al Ahli.
Earlier in the day at Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar SC defeated Al Sailiya 2-0 to claim their second straight win of the season.
After a first half full of missed chances, Lukas Kalvach (82’) opened the scoring with a superb long-range curling strike. Al Sailiya nearly equalized from the penalty spot, but Mohamed Benyettou’s effort was brilliantly saved.
Deep into stoppage time, Joao Pedro (90+10’, penalty) converted from the spot to secure the points for The Kings.
Upcoming Fixtures
* Friday: Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, 6:30pm)?Al Shamal vs Al Rayyan (Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, 8:30pm)
* Saturday: Umm Salal vs Al Shahania (Al Bayt Stadium, 6:30pm)?Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah (Khalifa International Stadium, 8:30pm)