Alkass English
Mohamed Bader Sayyar struck twice as Al Shahania marked the resumption of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) with a stunning 3–0 victory over leaders Al Gharafa at Al Khor Stadium.
Facing a side that had dominated much of the season and arrived with a four-point cushion at the top, Al Shahania produced their most impressive performance of the campaign. First-half goals from Sayyar, followed by a second-half strike from Lotfi Madjer, condemned Pedro Martins’ Al Gharafa to only their second defeat in 11 matches.
The result leaves Al Gharafa on 25 points and injects new intrigue into the title race, with Al Shamal, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and Qatar SC all sensing an opportunity as the league approaches its midway point after a month-long break. For Al Shahania, the win was equally significant, lifting them off the bottom of the table and up to 11th place.
Al Shahania wasted no time asserting themselves. Just four minutes in, Sayyar capitalised on a defensive lapse after Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar failed to deal with a cross from Pelle van Amersfoort, allowing the forward to tap in from close range.
The duo combined again in the 21st minute, when Van Amersfoort teed up Sayyar, who unleashed a superb strike from outside the area into the top-right corner.
Al Gharafa responded with increased attacking intent, with Joselu at the heart of their efforts. The Spanish striker went close several times, most notably when his powerful volley rattled the crossbar deep into first-half stoppage time.
However, as Al Gharafa pushed numbers forward, spaces opened up at the back. Madjer exploited that in the 64th minute, sealing the upset with a composed finish to make it 3–0. Van Amersfoort later saw a fourth goal ruled out for offside, but the outcome was already beyond doubt.
Attention now turns to the rest of the matchday, with second-placed Al Shamal aiming to close the gap on Al Gharafa when they face defending champions Al Sadd. Al Rayyan, currently third, take on Al Arabi, while Al Duhail and Qatar SC meet in another key encounter as both sides look to climb the standings.
Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi stressed the importance of a strong restart, saying his team’s league position does not reflect their ambitions and that collecting points is vital before the end of the first leg. Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez echoed the sentiment, describing every league fixture as a tough and decisive test.
Qatar Stars League Results
Al Shahania 3–0 Al Gharafa
Today’s Fixtures
Al Sailiya vs Al Wakrah – Grand Hamad Stadium (5:30pm)
Al Duhail vs Qatar SC – Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (5:30pm)
Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan – Al Thumama Stadium (7:30pm)
Tomorrow
Al Shamal vs Al Sadd – Al Shamal Sports Club (5:30pm)
Al Ahli vs Umm Salal – Al Thumama Stadium (7:30pm)