Doha, Qatar – In a surprising upset, Al Khor defeated league leaders Al Rayyan 2-0 yesterday in Round 10 of the QSL Cup, sending shockwaves through the tournament. The victory, secured by a brace from substitute Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Harazi, propelled Al Khor into the knockout stage alongside Al Rayyan and Umm Salal. This result marks Al Rayyan’s first defeat of the competition, though they still secured a direct berth to the quarter-finals.
The match took place at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, with Al Khor’s goals coming in the 66th and 71st minutes. Despite the loss, Al Rayyan finished atop the single-stage league table with 25 points. Umm Salal secured second place with 20 points, also earning a direct qualification to the quarter-finals. The QSL Cup is a key competition for Qatari clubs, providing valuable match experience and a pathway to further tournament play.
Al Khor’s Upset and the QSL Cup Knockout Stage
Al Khor’s win was a significant achievement, securing their place in the knockout stage with 13 points. The team demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility, capitalizing on opportunities against a previously undefeated Al Rayyan. This victory highlights the competitive nature of the QSL Cup and the potential for unexpected results.
Additionally, Muaither delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Mesaimeer 4-1 at Al Shamal Stadium. Etyan Morales, Albert Luque, Yanis Merah, and Mohamed Sakr all found the net for Muaither, while Gabriel Da Silva scored the lone goal for Mesaimeer. Despite Mesaimeer’s late penalty miss, they also progressed to the next round with 13 points, demonstrating the tight competition for qualifying spots.
Other Key Results from Round 10
Meanwhile, Al Bidda edged past Lusail with a 1-0 victory at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. Cristian Dal Bello Fagundes converted a penalty in the 30th minute to secure the win. Al Bidda was later awarded another penalty but failed to convert, ultimately winning with a single goal. This win brought Al Bidda’s points tally to 15, securing their advancement, while Lusail were eliminated with 7 points.
Several other teams, including Al Arabi, Al Waab, Al Markhiya, Al Sailiya, Al Shahania, Al Shamal, Qatar SC, and Al Kharaitiyat, also advanced to the knockout stage following the conclusion of the league stage. The broad participation underscores the importance of the QSL Cup in developing talent across various Qatari football clubs.
The new format of the QSL Cup, featuring 20 teams playing 10 league matches, has proven to be a successful model for increasing competition and providing opportunities for a wider range of clubs. The top two teams automatically qualify for the quarter-finals, while teams ranked 3–14 will compete in knockouts to determine the remaining slots. This structure ensures a dynamic and engaging tournament.
The performance of teams like Al Khor demonstrates that any club can challenge for victory in the QSL Cup, regardless of their pre-tournament ranking. The league stage has provided valuable insights into team strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase. The competition also serves as a proving ground for emerging Qatari football talent, offering them valuable experience against established players.
The quarter-final draw and schedule are expected to be announced in the coming days. The exact dates and venues for the knockout matches remain to be confirmed, but officials anticipate a swift progression to the next stage of the tournament. Observers will be watching closely to see if Al Rayyan can regain their form after this unexpected setback and whether Al Khor can continue their impressive run.
