New signing Frank Magri struck twice, including a stoppage-time winner, as Al Gharafa overcame a spirited Al Shahania 2-1 to make a winning start to their Qatar Stars League campaign at Khalifa International Stadium on Friday.
The Cameroonian forward opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before sealing all three points in the second minute of stoppage time. Al Shahania equalised through Francesco Antonucci from the penalty spot in the fourth minute of added time in the first half.
Al Gharafa came close to taking the lead a minute earlier when a Yacine Brahimi assist was cut out by an alert Al Shahania goalkeeper Shehab Ellethy. Moments later, Magri made no mistake, rising high to head home a Fabricio Diaz cross from the right.
Al Shahania responded with a series of attacks and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time after Mohamed Surag was brought down inside the box by goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar. Antonucci stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty.
Both sides pushed forward after the break but struggled to make the most of their chances. Al Shahania came close in the 70th minute when Antonucci's effort narrowly missed the target, with the ball going just past the right post.
The match appeared destined for a draw before Magri produced the decisive moment in stoppage time. He collected a Florinel Coman assist, raced past two defenders and fired home to seal victory for Al Gharafa and delight their fans.
Al Arabi held by Al Shamal
Meanwhile, Al Arabi were held to a 2-2 draw by Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium.
Al Arabi thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Youssef Snana found the net, but the Tunisian international's effort was ruled out for offside as the teams went into the break level.
Al Arabi eventually broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when Pablo Sarabia headed home from Rodri Sanchez's precise delivery.
Their lead lasted just five minutes, however, as Alexis Perez inadvertently turned Alex Collado's cross into his own net while attempting to clear.
Al Shamal then completed the turnaround in the 67th minute, with Baghdad Bounedjah finding the net to put his side 2-1 ahead.
Al Arabi refused to give up and were rewarded four minutes from the end of regulation time when Oussama Tannane struck a spectacular effort from the left side of the final third to restore parity. Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.
Sadd take on Ahli, Duhail face Al Sailiya today
Al Sadd and Al Ahli coaches Razvan Lucescu and Borja Jimenez have expressed their teams' readiness for the new season as the sides meet today in Qatar Stars League at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Sadd coach Lucescu said his team was eagerly looking forward to the start of the new season, stressing the need for maximum focus and respect for the opposition from the opening match.
Al Ahli coach Jimenez, meanwhile, expressed his delight at beginning his coaching career in Qatar with Al Ahli and said he was determined to achieve success with the club.
The Spaniard acknowledged the challenges the team faced last season and said he would work with the players to produce a strong campaign and achieve results that meet the expectations of the club's supporters.
Jimenez described Al Sadd as a difficult opponent, particularly given their status as defending champions, but said Al Ahli had prepared well and worked to ensure the players were ready to perform at their best.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail and Al Sailiya will also begin their league campaigns today when they meet at Al Bayt Stadium. Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi said his team was targeting a strong start and believed his players were capable of securing a positive result.
"We are aware of the opponent, and we are striving to deliver a performance that qualifies us to make a good start in the tournament," Belmadi said.
Al Sailiya coach Mirghani al-Zein said his team was ready for the challenge after completing a preparation period in line with its technical and physical programme.
He said Al Sailiya had maintained considerable stability in its squad while strengthening some positions with new players, expressing confidence in the team's ability to enjoy a strong season.
Al-Zein highlighted the balance between experienced players and new additions as a key strength of his squad heading into the new campaign.