Al Sadd Overcomes Early Deficit to Secure 5-2 Victory Over Al Khor

Al Sadd displayed resilience and brilliance as they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Al Khor 5-2 in a Qatar Stars League clash at Al Khor Stadium on Friday. Akram Afif shone with two goals and an assist, propelling the defending champions to within a point of league leaders Al Duhail, who sit atop the table with 22 points.

Despite their winless record this season, Al Khor came out aggressively. Ruben Semedo capitalized on a corner kick in the 3rd minute to give his side an early lead. Just five minutes later, Sofiane Hanni doubled the advantage, exploiting a defensive lapse from Al Sadd.

However, the defending champions responded quickly. Ahmed Suhail headed in a cross from Cristo Gonzalez in the 10th minute to cut the deficit. Romain Saiss then equalized in the 27th minute, finishing a well-executed team move that involved Afif and Moustafa Tarek.

The match reached halftime locked at 2-2, but Al Sadd’s dominance became apparent after the break. In the 48th minute, Afif latched onto a long ball and evaded defenders to fire Al Sadd into the lead. Six minutes later, the team captain scored his second goal with a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper helpless.

Cristo Gonzalez capped off Al Sadd’s comeback in the 68th minute, receiving a precise through-ball from Afif to make it 5-2. Al Khor fought valiantly, with Yohan Boli creating several chances, but Al Sadd goalkeeper Yousef Abdullah Balideh stood firm, denying multiple attempts.

Al Gharafa Climbs to Third After 3-1 Win Over Al Wakrah

Elsewhere, Al Gharafa staged a comeback to beat Al Wakrah 3-1 at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium. Ricardo Gomes converted a 20th-minute penalty to give Al Wakrah the lead, but Ahmed Al Ganehi equalized in stoppage time of the first half.

Joselu put Al Gharafa ahead in the 60th minute, assisted by Yacine Brahimi, whose dazzling footwork proved crucial throughout the match. An own goal by Lucas Mendes in the 75th minute sealed the victory for Al Gharafa, who moved into third place with 18 points, ahead of Al Ahli on goal difference.

Al Shamal Stuns Al Rayyan in Added Time

In another thrilling encounter, Al Shamal defeated Al Rayyan 2-1 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Roger Guedes gave Al Rayyan the lead in first-half stoppage time, but late goals from Mohammed Khaled al-Nuami (83’) and Younes Belhanda (90+7’) secured the win for Al Shamal, lifting them to sixth in the standings.

These results mark a pivotal round in the Qatar Stars League, with Al Sadd asserting their championship mettle and mid-table teams fighting fiercely for position.