Doha, Qatar – Al Shahania delivered a stunning upset in the Qatar Stars League, defeating league leaders Al Gharafa 3-0 at Al Khor Stadium. A brace from Mohamed Bader Sayyar and a goal from Lotfi Madjer propelled Al Shahania to a significant victory, shaking up the title race and offering a much-needed boost to their league standing. The result marks a strong return to action after a month-long break in the season.
The match, played yesterday, saw Al Shahania capitalize on early opportunities and maintain pressure throughout the game. Al Gharafa, previously enjoying a comfortable lead, suffered only their second defeat of the 2023-24 campaign, leaving the championship wide open as teams approach the halfway point of the season. This win dramatically improves Al Shahania’s position in the standings.
Al Shahania’s Upset Victory in the Qatar Stars League
Al Shahania’s dominant performance was built on a clinical first half. Sayyar opened the scoring in the 4th minute, taking advantage of a misjudgment by Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar following a cross from Pelle van Amersfoort. He doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, again assisted by Van Amersfoort.
Despite Al Gharafa’s efforts to respond, led by Joselu who hit the crossbar with a volley, they struggled to break down a resolute Al Shahania defense. The team’s attacking prowess was stifled, and they were unable to convert their chances into goals.
Lotfi Madjer then effectively sealed the victory for Al Shahania in the 64th minute, scoring a remarkable goal from inside his own half. Although a subsequent goal by Van Amersfoort was disallowed for offside, the 3-0 scoreline reflected Al Shahania’s comprehensive win. This result highlights the competitive nature of the QSL this season.
Impact on the Title Race
Al Gharafa’s loss leaves them with 25 points, only four ahead of second-placed Al Shamal. This narrows the gap at the top and introduces a new level of intensity to the Qatar football championship. Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, and Qatar SC are all within striking distance, poised to challenge for the title in the coming weeks.
The victory is particularly significant for Al Shahania, lifting them from the bottom of the table to 11th place. This positive momentum will be crucial as they continue to fight for survival in the league. The team’s improved performance demonstrates their potential and determination.
Meanwhile, other teams are also vying for position. Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi emphasized the importance of securing points to improve their standing, currently in eighth place with 12 points. Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez anticipates a tough match against Al Duhail but believes his team is prepared for the challenge.
Today’s schedule features several key matchups, including Al Sailiya versus Al Wakrah, Al Duhail versus Qatar SC, and Al Arabi versus Al Rayyan. Tomorrow, Al Shamal will face Al Sadd in a crucial contest, while Al Ahli will host Umm Salal.
The Qatar Stars League season is now poised for a thrilling second half, with several teams realistically competing for the championship. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the eventual winner, and fans can expect a series of closely contested matches. The league’s competitiveness and unpredictable nature will continue to be a major draw for football enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how Al Gharafa respond to this setback and whether Al Shamal can capitalize on their opportunity to close the gap. The matches between the top contenders will be particularly important, as they will likely shape the final standings. The performance of teams like Al Rayyan and Al Sadd will also be closely watched as they aim to mount a serious title challenge.
