Defending champions Al Sadd secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Qatar SC in a Qatar Stars League match at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday, propelling them to second place in the standings. The comeback win, fueled by goals from Akram Afif and a brace in quick succession after halftime, keeps Al Sadd firmly in the Qatar Stars League title race. This result intensifies the competition at the top of the table as the season progresses.
The match, played on January 19, 2024, saw Qatar SC take an early lead, but Al Sadd responded with a determined second-half performance. The victory brings Al Sadd’s points tally to 23 from 12 games, trailing league leaders Al Gharafa by five points. Al Rayyan also have 23 points but are placed third on goal difference.
Al Sadd’s Comeback Highlights Competitive Qatar Stars League
Qatar SC started strongly, with Brazilian forward Joao Pedro opening the scoring in the third minute. Pedro capitalized on an assist from Naif Al Hadrami, giving the home side an early advantage. However, Al Sadd quickly regrouped and began to assert their dominance in midfield.
Akram Afif leveled the score in the 31st minute, demonstrating his clinical finishing ability. He reacted quickly to a loose ball inside the box, slotting the ball past the Qatar SC goalkeeper. This goal injected momentum into Al Sadd’s attack.
First-Half Drama and VAR Intervention
Qatar SC regained the lead just before halftime through Niall Mason, who scored from a corner kick. The goal was initially subject to a VAR review, but the decision stood, sending Qatar SC into the break with a 2-1 lead. The use of VAR continues to be a talking point in the Qatar football league.
The second half witnessed a swift and decisive response from Al Sadd. Firmino equalized in the 50th minute, finishing a well-worked move initiated by Afif. Rafa Mujica then completed the turnaround just three minutes later, scoring from the center of the box to give Al Sadd a 3-2 lead.
Despite Qatar SC’s efforts to find an equalizer in the closing stages, Al Sadd’s defense held firm. The team’s resilience and tactical adjustments proved crucial in securing the victory. This win showcases Al Sadd’s strength as a contender for the Qatar league title.
Meanwhile, in a separate fixture, Al Shahania and Al Duhail played to a 0-0 draw at Al Khor Stadium. This result leaves Al Shahania at the bottom of the table, facing a challenging fight against relegation. Al Duhail remain in sixth position, struggling to consistently convert opportunities into wins.
The performance of both teams highlights the growing competitiveness of the Qatar Stars League, with several teams vying for top positions. The league is seeing increased tactical sophistication and a higher level of player skill.
Looking ahead, Al Sadd will aim to continue their winning momentum in their next fixture, while Qatar SC will seek to bounce back from this defeat. The battle for the league title is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with Al Gharafa looking to maintain their lead. The next round of matches will be crucial in determining the championship contenders and the teams facing a relegation battle.
The league standings remain fluid, and the performance of key players like Akram Afif will be pivotal in shaping the final outcome of the season. Fans can expect more exciting matches and unpredictable results as the Qatar football season progresses.
