Doha [Qatar], March 13: Al Gharafa's Doha Bank Stars League 2025-26 title ambitions suffered a setback after a 0-2 defeat to Qatar SC, while Al Shamal climbed into joint second place with a dramatic late win over Al Wakrah as the league resumed on Thursday following a short suspension due to regional tensions.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail returned to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Al Sailiya at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
The results left Al Shamal and Al Gharafa level on 34 points, four behind leaders Al Sadd, who will be in action on Friday. Qatar SC moved up to 27 points, while Al Duhail climbed to sixth place with 24 points.
At Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Shamal secured a hard-fought over Al Wakrah thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Pau Prim. The two sides battled evenly for most of the match, struggling to find a breakthrough despite creating several chances.
Neither side was able to score in regulation time, though the crossbar denied both teams once during the contest. Wakrah's task became more difficult in the closing stages when Radwan Berkane was shown a red card around 10 minutes from time.
Shamal eventually found the decisive moment deep into stoppage time when Spanish midfielder Prim struck the winner from the centre of the box following a corner kick in 90+2 minute - to secure three valuable points for the visitors.
At Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar SC delivered a strong performance to defeat Al Gharafa and deal a blow to the Cheetahs' pursuit of the title.
Musab Battat gave Qatar SC the lead in the 26th minute, beating goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar with a shot that deflected slightly off a defender after a through cross.
Gharafa's hopes of mounting a comeback were dented early in the second half when Seydou Sano was sent off in the 47th minute following a VAR review. The defender had brought down a charging Faiz Selemani outside the box, leaving the referee with little choice but to show a red card.
With the numerical advantage, Qatar SC maintained control and doubled their lead in the 66th minute through Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward sprinted onto a long ball and calmly finished past the advancing Ababacar to seal the victory. The crucial win lifted Qatar SC to 27 points, strengthening their push for a top-four finish.
Al Duhail blank Al Sailiya
Al Duhail produced one of their most convincing displays of the season as they thrashed Al Sailiya. Benjamin Bourigeaud was instrumental in the victory, contributing a goal and three assists, while Krzysztof Piatek scored twice as the Red Knights ended a difficult run of results.
Piatek opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful header from a Bourigeaud corner before doubling the lead just three minutes later, again heading home from another precise delivery by the French midfielder.
The Polish striker then turned provider in the 63rd minute, setting up Bourigeaud to make it 3-0 with a composed finish. Ibrahima Bamba completed the scoring in the 78th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The win moved Al Duhail to 24 points and temporarily into sixth place, while Al Sailiya remained 10th with 15 points as they continue to battle near the bottom of the standings.
Three more round 18 matches are scheduled for Friday with leaders Al Sadd hosting Umm Salal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Ahli will face Al Arabi at Al Thumama Stadium, while Al Rayyan take on Al Shahania at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. All games are 9.30pm kick-offs.
Source: Qatar Tribune
