Alkass English
Al Gharafa SC bounced back in style at Khalifa International Stadium, defeating Iraq’s Al Shorta 2-0. Second-half strikes from Joselu and Ferjani Sassi, both set up by Yacine Brahimi, secured Pedro Martins’ side their first win after a narrow 4-3 loss to Sharjah FC. Al Shorta remain winless, having drawn 1-1 with Al Sadd in their opener.
Joselu almost struck in the 13th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error, only to hit the post. The breakthrough came just after halftime when Brahimi set up Joselu for a close-range finish, before Sassi doubled the lead with a header minutes later. Al Gharafa now face holders Al Ahli Saudi FC away on October 20, while Al Shorta host Al Ittihad.
At Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Al Duhail fought hard to earn a 2-2 draw against reigning champions Al Ahli Saudi FC. The result stretched Al Ahli’s unbeaten run to 20 matches but ended their eight-game winning streak.
Edmilson Junior gave Al Duhail the lead after 25 minutes, but goals from Matheus Goncalves and Riyad Mahrez put Al Ahli ahead by halftime. Djamel Belmadi’s bold second-half substitution paid off when Almoez Ali joined the attack, allowing Krzysztof Piatek to smash home the equalizer just two minutes later.
Al Duhail’s resilience ensured they walked away with a point, frustrating the champions in a gripping contest.