Alkass English
Al Arabi scored twice in the final minutes to defeat Al Sadd 2–1 in one of the most dramatic matches of Week 19 in the 2025–2026 Doha Bank Stars League, played at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.
Pablo Sarabia found the equaliser in the 82nd minute before Isaac Lihadji struck the winner six minutes later, overturning the lead that Al Sadd had taken earlier through Roberto Firmino in the 54th minute.
Despite the defeat, Al Sadd remain top of the standings with 38 points after other results went in their favour. Al Shamal missed the chance to close the gap after losing to Al Duhail, while Al Gharafa still have the opportunity to move within one point of the lead when they face Al Ahli on Wednesday.
Al Sadd were reduced to ten players in the 41st minute after Ahmed Suhail was sent off for a foul on Lihadji. The first half ended goalless despite several chances, including a shot off the post by Sarabia and a crossbar effort from Akram Afif, while two goals by Rafa Mujica were ruled out for offside.
Firmino opened the scoring early in the second half, heading in from Afif’s free-kick, but the numerical disadvantage eventually proved costly as Al Arabi pushed forward late in the match to secure all three points. The win moves Al Arabi to 28 points in fifth place.
Al Duhail Come Back to Beat Al Shamal
At Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Duhail came from behind to defeat Al Shamal 3–1.
Baghdad Bounedjah gave Al Shamal the lead in the 40th minute, but Al Duhail responded after the break through Edmilson Junior in the 51st minute following a move involving Krzysztof Piatek.?Adel Boulbina scored in the 90th minute to put Al Duhail ahead before Piatek added a third in stoppage time.
The result lifts Al Duhail to 27 points, while Al Shamal remain second on 34.
Al Rayyan Turn It Around Against Al Wakrah
At Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan rallied to beat Al Wakrah 2–1.
Yusuf Abdurisag opened the scoring for Al Wakrah in the 29th minute with a bicycle kick, but Al Rayyan responded in the second half. Gregore equalised in the 69th minute with a long-range strike, before Roger Guedes headed in the winner five minutes from time.
Al Rayyan move to 31 points, while Al Wakrah remain on 23.
Al Gharafa Target Important Win Over Al Ahli
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins stressed the importance of the upcoming match against Al Ahli, noting that his side must respond after the recent defeat to Qatar SC.
He said the match will be difficult as Al Ahli are fighting to avoid relegation, but confirmed that his team remain determined to continue competing for their objectives this season.
Player Amr Serag also described the match as crucial, saying the team is fully focused and aiming to stay in the title race.
Al Ahli coach Younes Ali stated that the match is vital for his side’s position in the standings, adding that his team will approach it like a final with no room for dropping points.
Wednesday Fixtures – Week 19
* Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium
* Umm Salal vs Qatar SC – Khalifa International Stadium
* Al Sailiya vs Al Shahania – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium