Al Gharafa extended their lead atop the Qatar Stars League standings yesterday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Arabi at Al Thumama Stadium. A dramatic match saw Joselu score, assist, and ultimately receive a red card, but his team managed to secure crucial points in the title race. The win puts Al Gharafa eight points clear of their nearest challengers, though Al Sadd and Al Rayyan have games in hand.
The match unfolded in Doha with Al Gharafa asserting dominance early, while Al Arabi struggled to find their rhythm. Later in the day, Al Duhail also claimed a win, defeating Al Wakrah 2-0. The league is shaping up to be a competitive one, with several teams vying for the championship.
Joselu’s Mixed Performance Fuels Al Gharafa’s Qatar Stars League Lead
Joselu opened the scoring for Al Gharafa just two minutes into the game, heading home a precise cross from Yacine Brahimi. This early goal set the tone for a match where Al Gharafa largely controlled possession. However, the game took several twists and turns before the final whistle.
Al Arabi found an equalizer in the 67th minute through Pablo Sarabia, who capitalized on an assist from Jordan Veretout. The goal injected renewed energy into Al Arabi’s attack, creating a more balanced contest.
Al Gharafa responded quickly, regaining the lead in the 79th minute when Joselu turned provider, setting up substitute Jamal Hamed for the winning goal. Hamed’s impact was immediate, demonstrating the depth of Al Gharafa’s squad.
The drama wasn’t over for Joselu, however. He was shown a red card in the 84th minute following a VAR review for violent conduct against Rodri. This left Al Gharafa to defend their lead with ten men for the remaining minutes.
Al Duhail Secure Victory in Return to Form
Earlier in the day, at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium, Al Duhail defeated Al Wakrah 2-0. Adel Boulbina, recently returned from international duty with Algeria, made an immediate impact by winning and converting a penalty in the 64th minute.
Marco Verratti then added a spectacular second goal for Al Duhail in the 83rd minute, volleying home a cross from Youssouf Sabaly. This win moved Al Duhail into sixth place in the QSL standings, with 19 points.
Boulbina expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We secured the three points and that’s the most important thing. Everyone played their part. God willing, we will make a comeback in the league and try to win every match.”
Meanwhile, the competition for the top spots continues to intensify. Al Sadd, currently on a five-match winning streak, are looking to close the gap on Al Gharafa.
Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini emphasized the need for continued success, saying his team must win all their remaining matches to have a realistic chance of winning the title. They face Al Ahli today in a crucial encounter at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Ahli’s coach, Younes Ali, acknowledged the challenge, stating his team will be prepared for a tough match against the in-form Al Sadd.
Another important fixture today sees Umm Salal, in tenth place, host bottom-placed Al Shahania in a relegation battle. Both teams are desperate for points to improve their position in the league table.
With ten matches remaining, the Qatar Stars League title race is far from over. Al Gharafa will look to maintain their advantage, while Al Sadd and Al Rayyan will aim to close the gap. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining the ultimate champion. The focus will be on Al Sadd’s performance against Al Ahli and whether they can continue their winning streak, as well as Al Gharafa’s ability to navigate the remaining games despite potential suspensions.
