Al Duhail Stays Top of Qatar Stars League with Convincing 6-2 Win Over Al Shamal

In a high-scoring Qatar Stars League clash, Al Duhail FC defeated Al Shamal 6-2 at Al Khor Stadium, securing their position at the top of the table. Al Duhail’s captain, Almoez Ali, led the way with two goals, netting in the 45+5 and 77th minutes. The commanding win allows Al Duhail to retain a four-point lead over second-placed Al Sadd, who had closed the gap with a 2-1 win over Al Rayyan.

The match began with Al Duhail immediately on the offensive, showing no intent to yield their top spot. Within the first 10 minutes, they created several chances, with attempts from Ismaeel Mohammad and Luis Alberto narrowly missing the target. Their aggressive approach paid off in the 11th minute when Lucas Verissimo headed in Alberto’s precise cross, opening the scoring to the cheers of the away fans.

Continuing their relentless attack, Al Duhail’s Michael Olunga doubled the lead in the 23rd minute, driving a low shot into the bottom-right corner past Al Shamal’s goalkeeper Babacar Seck. Just five minutes later, Al Duhail benefited from a stroke of luck as Al Shamal’s Mohammed Musa inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, putting the Red Knights up 3-0.

Al Shamal managed to pull one back in the 37th minute with a stunning strike from Younes Belhanda. After a slick assist from Baghdad Bounedjah, Belhanda dribbled past defenders and unleashed a powerful shot into the top-right corner, providing a glimmer of hope for the home team. However, Al Duhail restored their three-goal advantage just before halftime, with Almoez Ali scoring from the penalty spot after a foul on Olunga in the box.

The second half saw Al Duhail maintain control with consistent high pressing and strong defense. In the 51st minute, Luis Alberto added the fifth goal, blasting a shot from 25 yards out. Despite Al Duhail’s dominant play, Bounedjah showcased his quality for Al Shamal, scoring in the 73rd minute. However, Al Duhail’s lead was soon extended as Almoez struck again just four minutes later, sealing their impressive 6-2 victory.

Elsewhere in the league, Al Ahli rose to third place after a dramatic 2-1 win over Al Shahania at Al Thumama Stadium. Marc Muniesa’s own goal put Al Ahli ahead in the 14th minute, before Abdulrahman Masoud leveled for Al Shahania in the 70th. The match seemed set for a draw until Eric Hernandez struck the decisive goal in stoppage time, giving Al Ahli the win.

In another fixture, Al Wakrah defeated a 10-man Umm Salal 3-0 at Al Janoub Stadium. Aissa Laidouni scored early for Wakrah in the 7th minute, with Ayoub Assal and Gelson Dala adding two more late in the game. The win moves Al Wakrah up to fifth place, while Umm Salal falls to sixth.

The latest victories for Al Duhail, Al Ahli, and Al Wakrah underline the intense competition at the top of the Qatar Stars League as teams battle for position in this season’s standings.