Alkass English
Qatar SC climbed to second place in the Doha Bank Stars League standings after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 54th minute when Brazilian forward Joao Pedro picked up an Eisa Palangi pass, weaved past defenders, and rifled a strike into the far corner. While Al Shahania tried to rally late, including a close attempt from Daouda Soliman, they failed to break through. Qatar SC remain unbeaten with four wins and a draw, while Al Shahania sit on four points after their third defeat.
Al Rayyan made a statement at Al Thumama Stadium with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Al Ahli. Rodrigo Moreno opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a neat link-up with Wesley Ribeiro, though the goal survived a lengthy VAR check for offside in the buildup. Just before halftime, Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled the lead, heading home after Rodrigo’s effort cannoned off the crossbar. Al Ahli’s attempts to respond fizzled, and Al Rayyan sealed the result in the 86th minute when Róger Guedes smashed in a third following a quick counterattack. The win lifted the Lions to third place on 10 points, keeping them ahead of Al Gharafa on goal difference, while Al Ahli’s struggles continue with just one victory this season.
At Al Bayt Stadium, Umm Salal rediscovered their rhythm with a 2-1 win over Al Sailiya. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute after a VAR-confirmed penalty, coolly converted by Oussama Tannane. The hosts pressed on in the second half and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Cristo Gonzalez delivered a fine assist for Rami Suhail to tap home. Khalid Ali pulled one back for Al Sailiya deep into stoppage time, but it was too little, too late. Umm Salal climbed to sixth place with eight points, while Al Sailiya remain rooted to the bottom, still without a single point this season.