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Leaders Al Sadd produced a strong comeback to defeat Al Duhail 3-1 in a thrilling Qatar Stars League clash at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium last night. Duhail took the lead shortly after the break through Edmilson Junior in the 47th minute, but the momentum quickly shifted in Sadd’s favour. The visitors drew level in the 52nd minute when Yousef Ayman turned Akram Afif’s cross into his own net, before Rafa Mujica completed the turnaround just two minutes later. Giovani Henrique sealed the victory for the defending champions in the 83rd minute, finishing off a well-worked move set up by Afif to secure three valuable points for the Wolves. The win marked Sadd’s 10th consecutive league victory and strengthened their grip at the top of the standings, maintaining a four-point advantage over closest challengers Al Gharafa. In contrast, Al Duhail’s struggles continued as they extended their winless run to four matches – two draws and two defeats – leaving them eighth with 21 points and drifting further from the top-four race. Meanwhile at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Gharafa came from behind to claim an entertaining 3-2 victory over Al Rayyan. Rodrigo Moreno gave Rayyan an early lead in the fourth minute, finishing clinically after collecting a pass from Aleksandar Mitrovic. Gharafa responded after the break when Ferjani Sassi equalised in the 57th minute following a deflected delivery from Alvaro Djalo Fernandes. Amro Surag put the hosts ahead four minutes later, arriving to finish from close range, before Joselu extended the lead in the 84th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box after another contribution from Surag. Roger Guedes converted a stoppage-time penalty for Rayyan, while late drama saw Gharafa’s Saifeldeen Fadlalla sent off deep into added time. The victory moved Gharafa into second place on 34 points, with Al Rayyan remaining fourth on 28. Action continues today with Umm Salal facing Al Wakrah at Al Khor Stadium as both sides seek crucial points. Umm Salal aim to build on consecutive wins that have revived their survival hopes, while Al Wakrah look to recover from defeat to Al Sadd. Elsewhere, Al Ahli meet bottom side Al Shahaniy at Al Thumama Stadium in a key relegation encounter. Saturday, in-form Al Shamal take on Qatar SC seeking a third straight win, although they will be without suspended striker Baghdad Bounedjah. The round 17 concludes with Al Arabi facing Al Sailiya as both teams attempt to bounce back from recent setbacks. Remaining Fixtures(All matches kick-off at 9:30pm) Friday: Umm Salal vs Al Wakrah at Al KhorStadium; Al Ahli vs Al Shahaniya atAl Thumama Stadium Saturday: Al Shamal vs Qatar SC atAl Shamal Stadium; Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya atAl Thumama Stadium 

League leaders Al Sadd will look to take another decisive step towards retaining the Qatar Stars League title when they face fierce rivals Al Duhail SC in Thursday’s exciting clash at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.The encounter adds another chapter to one of Qatar football’s defining modern rivalries, with both sides dominating domestic honours over the past decade and regularly battling for silverware. Sadd arrive in commanding form, sitting top of the standings with four point lead and riding an eight-match winning streak that has strengthened their push for a third successive league crown.Wolves' coach Roberto Mancini stressed the importance of maintaining focus in what he described as one of the season’s toughest fixtures, noting that victories against direct rivals remain crucial in the title race. “The next match will be very important, like all matches,” Mancini said. “If we want to win the league, we must beat teams such as Al Duhail and Al Arabi. We know it will be a difficult game.”He added that clashes between the two sides consistently deliver high intensity and quality, with Sadd determined to continue their winning run and move closer to the title. Captain Hassan al-Haydos echoed his coach’s sentiments, expecting a demanding contest as the league enters its decisive phase.“We expect a strong and difficult match,” Al-Haydos said. “We are in the final stretch of the league and are targeting three points in every game. We were not at our best against Al Wakrah, especially in the first half, and we must improve. The support of our fans will be very important during this period.”For Duhail, the match represents an opportunity to revive a challenging league campaign. Last season’s runners-up currently sit eighth with 21 points following inconsistent results. Coach Djamel Belmadi expects another closely fought encounter, highlighting the long-standing competitiveness between the two clubs despite their contrasting league positions this season. “Matches between Al Sadd and Al Duhail are always tight,” Belmadi said. “The rivalry reflects the competitiveness between the two teams, and it is difficult to predict how this match will unfold.”Al Duhail enter the fixture without a win in their last three matches, most recently drawing 1-1 with Al Arabi, and will be under pressure to deliver a strong response against the leaders.Meanwhile, third-placed Al Gharafa face Al Rayyan at Thani bin Jassim Stadium in another marquee clash. Al Gharafa are aiming to halt a three-match losing streak that has damaged their title hopes, while fourth-placed Al Rayyan, boosted by a 2-1 win over Al Ahli, will rely on attacking duo Roger Guedes and Aleksandar Mitrović as they target a move into the top three.Elsewhere, Umm Salal host Al Wakrah at Al Khor Stadium, with both sides seeking valuable points. Umm Salal have revived their survival hopes with consecutive wins, while Al Wakrah aim to bounce back after defeat to Al Sadd.Struggling Al Ahli meet bottom side Al Shahaniya SC at Al Thumama Stadium in a crucial relegation battle, while high-flying Al Shamal take on Qatar seeking a third straight victory, although they will be without suspended striker Baghdad Bounedjah. Round 17 concludes with Al Arabi facing Al Sailiya, with both teams eager to recover dropped points. QATAR STARS LEAGUE FIXTURES(All matches kick-off at 9:30pm)Thursday: Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan - Thani bin Jassim Stadium; Al Duhail vs Al Sadd - Abdullah bin Khalifa StadiumFriday: Umm Salal vs Al Wakrah - Al Khor Stadium; Al Ahli vs Al Shahaniya - Al Thumama StadiumSaturday: Al Shamal vs Qatar SC - Al Shamal Stadium; Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya - Al Thumama Stadium 

A fabulous free kick from Edmilson Junior saw Al Duhail hold Al Arabi 1-1 in their Qatar Stars League (QSL) match at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium Saturday.The Dream Team had fetched the lead in the 23rd minute after Karl Toko Ekambi chested down a long ball in front of the six-yard box before scoring off a rebound from the rival goalkeeper's block. The Red Knights got the equalizer in the 65th minute as Al Arabi goalkeeper Jassem al-Hail was beaten by Edmislon’s powerful kick - taken from five yards away of the goalline on the left. The flying ball also took Al Hail into the net with its force. The shared spoils meant that Al Arabi moved down a rung to sixth place in the standings with a total tally of 24 points while Al Duhail remained eighth, moving up by a point to 21. 

Al Duhail SC will have to do what they haven't been able to in their last three away ties - defeat Al Shorta if they are to stand a chance of advancing to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26.Qatar's Al Duhail, who landed in Baghdad on Sunday, are seventh in the standings but tied on eight points with fellow Qatari side Al Sadd SC and Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates.Al Shorta's slim hopes of advancing were dashed following their 1-1 stalemate with Uzbekistan's PFC Nasaf but the Iraqi side will be aiming to end their campaign with a win - having only managed two draws in their previous seven games.The major reason for their continental woes has been a porous defence, with Al Shorta having conceded 10 goals in their three home games this season, the most by any side.Al Duhail will be hoping to capitalise, having battled hard to keep themselves in contention by fighting back to hold Sharjah FC to a 1-1 draw last week.They, however, have won just one of their last 11 away games on the continent and conceded - at least - twice in their last three defeats when travelling.Al Shorta (IRQ) v Al Duhail SC (QAT)Venue: Al Zawraa Stadium (Baghdad)Kick-off: Monday, 21:15 (UTC+3)In another match on Monday, hosts Sharjah FC will expect to defeat PFC Nasaf when the sides meet in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26.United Arab Emirates side Sharjah need three points to stand a chance of advancing while Nasaf's campaign is already over after securing just a single point from their earlier seven matches.Sharjah sit ninth in standings but are equal on eight points with Qatari sides Al Duhail SC and Al Sadd SC.They could have confirmed their Round of 16 spot with victory over Al Duhail last week but will be confident of getting maximum points against Nasaf, having never been beaten by the Uzbekistan outfit. 

Al Duhail reached the Amir Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Al Waab in their round of 16 clash at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Thursday. Al Wakrah also advanced after beating Al Sailiya by the same scoreline.Adel Boulbina put Al Duhail ahead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, while Krzysztof Piatek sealed the win with a late strike in the 87th.Al Waab threatened early, with Ousseynou Gueye breaking into the area and forcing a save from goalkeeper Salah Zakaria in the seventh minute.The breakthrough came when Abdoulaye Bakayoko fouled inside the box, allowing Boulbina to convert from the spot and give Al Duhail a 1-0 lead at the break.Al Waab came close to leveling after halftime, but Bahaa Faisal’s powerful effort rattled the crossbar in the 52nd minute, as Al Duhail held firm before Piatek wrapped up the result late on.“We went into the match determined to win and reach the quarter-finals, given the importance of this tournament,” said Boulbina after the match. “In these games, the key is getting the result, and we did that. The season is still long, and our focus remains on the Amir Cup and the AFC Champions League.”Al Duhail will face the winners of the Al Arabi vs Al Shahania clash, scheduled for today at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, in the quarter-finals. Al Shamal will take on Qatar SC at Grand Hamad Stadium in the other match today.Meanwhile, second-half strikes from Omar Salah and Redouane Berkane secured Al Wakrah’s 2-0 win against Al Sailiya later in the evening. Salah capitalised on a defensive error to break the deadlock in the 58th minute, while Berkane sealed the victory five minutes before time.Al Wakrah will now meet either Al Rayyan or Al Khor, who will face each other at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Saturday. 

Al Duhail begin their Amir Cup knockout campaign Thursday with a Round of 16 clash against Al Waab at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, aiming to book a berth in the quarter-finals.Elsewhere, Al Wakrah will square off against Al Sailiya at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium, as the knockout fixtures run through Sunday.Speaking ahead of the tie, Al Duhail assistant coach Fares Bouzid underlined the need for complete concentration and discipline against their opponents. “This is a crucial match in a tournament that means a great deal to Al Duhail, and we must give everything to win the title. We’ve prepared thoroughly and expect a tough match,” he said at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.“We’ve studied Al Waab closely, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and will fight with full focus and determination to secure qualification.”Second Division side Al Waab advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Lusail in the preliminary stage. Al Waab coach Ahmed Abdelsalam Mohamed said his team is ready to rise to the challenge.“We’re looking forward to delivering our best performance against Al Duhail. The team is fully prepared, and we aim to show a level worthy of this highly competitive tournament,” he said.Meanwhile, Al Wakrah, currently sixth in the Qatar Stars League, are aiming for a strong showing in the prestigious competition. “We’re excited to perform well in a competition that means a lot to us and everyone involved, and we are striving to win the title, even though we know it will be very difficult with so many strong teams,” said Al Wakrah coach Vicente Moreno.“Al Sailiya are a distinguished side with good players and a good coach, but we are ambitious and determined to compete strongly and fight for the trophy.”Al Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zain said his side is eager to make the most of their opportunity in the tournament. “We are preparing to compete in a tournament that is dear to everyone’s hearts. The players are striving to give their best, and despite the difficulty of our situation, we are determined to seize the opportunity to qualify for the next round.”Round of 16 FixturesThursday: Al Duhail vs Al Waab at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (4:30pm); Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium (7:15pm)Friday: Al Shamal vs Qatar SC at Grand Hamad Stadium (4:30pm); Al Shahania vs Al Arabi at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (7:15pm)On Saturday: Al Gharafa vs Al Kharaitiyat at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium (4:30pm); Al Rayyan vs Al Khor at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (7:15pm); Al Sadd vs Al Markhiya at Grand Hamad Stadium (7:15pm)On Sunday: Al Ahli vs Umm Salal at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (7:15pm) 

Qatar's Al Duhail and Sharjah settled for a 1-1 draw which kept their AFC Champions League Elite last 16 hopes just about alive. The stalemate took both sides to eight points, with their fates to be decided in next week’s final round of league stage matches.Both teams came into the tie needing victory, with Al Duhail having gone down 2-1 against Iran side Tractor SC last time out, while Sharjah fell to a solitary goal against Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.The home side threatened in the sixth minute with Jean-Charles Castelletto sending his glancing header off Benjamin Bourigeaud’s cross just wide of the right post, while Sharjah responded three minutes later with Matheus Saldanha forcing Al Duhail keeper Salah Zakaria into a save.Al Duhail exposed Sharjah again a minute later when Salah Zakaria spilled Edmílson Junior’s close-range shot into the path of Adil Boulbina who, however, was flagged offside.Another chance went begging for the Qatari side in the 12th minute when Edmílson Junior slipped through into the box and floated the ball for an unmarked Boubakary Soumare at the far post who, however, crashed his shot against the left post.The missed opportunities came back to haunt Al Duhail when Zakaria brought down Luanzinho inside the box, allowing Igor Coronado to convert from the spot in the 41st minute.Boulbina and Krzysztof Piatek caused problems for Sharjah early in the second half, while Maro Katinic couldn’t find the target from Coronado’s cross in the 50th minute with Luanzinho flashing his headed attempt agonisingly wide 10 minutes later from a fast break.Al Duhail were left frustrated again in the 62nd minute when Luanzinho fed an unmarked Boulbina, whose effort was ruled offside.There was, however, joy for the Algerian midfielder as he equalised from the spot in the 81st minute after being brought down by Rafael Pereira.Shaheen Abdalla had initially saved the effort, diving to his right to stop the effort but the penalty had to be retaken as the keeper had come off his line, with Boulbina making no mistake with his second attempt as the points were shared. 

Umm Salal stunned nine-man Al Duhail 2-1 at Al Khor Stadium in the Qatar Stars League to revive their hopes of avoiding relegation.Bottom-placed Umm Salal struck through Antonio Mance (45+4) and Naim al-Aidouni (72), while Bassam al-Rawi had equalised for Duhail in the 51st minute. The win lifted Umm Salal to 12 points and temporarily moved them off the bottom, while last season’s runners-up Duhail remain sixth and could slip further depending on other results this week.Duhail’s troubles began early when Luis Martin was sent off in the sixth minute for a reckless challenge on Ahmed Abdel-Maqsoud. Umm Salal were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute after Salah Zakaria fouled Osama Tannane, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving the spot-kick.The situation worsened for Duhail when Benjamin Bourigeaud received a red card in the 39th minute following a tackle on Abdou Diallo, leaving his side with nine men. Umm Salal capitalised just before half-time as Cristo’s cross was turned in by Mance.Duhail briefly fought back after the break when al-Rawi levelled from a direct free-kick, but Umm Salal regained the lead when al-Aidouni headed home from a corner. Despite late pressure, Umm Salal held on for a crucial victory.Mancini urges focus as Sadd seek revenge against Shahania Thursday, reigning champions Al Sadd return to action against Al Shahania at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, seeking revenge after a 1-0 defeat in the first-leg meeting. Sadd coach Roberto Mancini said his team must remain fully focused. “Every match is a real challenge for us. Al Shahania beat us earlier this season, so we need to give our best,” the Italian said, urging his players to keep their focus in the title race.Shahania assistant coach Pejman Montazeri acknowledged the difficulty of facing a star-studded Sadd side but said his team aims for a positive result to improve their league position. He added that the team is working to address lapses in morale after conceding early goals following their disappointing result against Al Wakrah.Meanwhile, leaders Al Gharafa face Al Sailiya at Grand Hamad Stadium. Gharafa will be eager to bounce back from their 3-1 loss to Sadd, while Sailiya aim to continue climbing the table after a goalless draw with Shamal.Gharafa coach Pedro Martins backed his players to respond strongly, saying the team will fight to remain in the title race. Sailiya coach Mirghani Al-Zein stressed respect for their opponents and confirmed several absences, including Younes Belhanda, but expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to execute the game plan.FixturesThursday: Al Sadd vs Al Shahania - Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (5.45pm); Al Sailiya vs Al Gharafa - Grand Hamad Stadium (5.45pm); Al Arabi vs Al Shamal - Al Thumama Stadium (7.45pm)Friday: Al Wakrah vs Al Ahli - Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium (5.45pm); Qatar SC vs Al Rayyan - Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (7.45pm) 

Al Duhail head coach Djamel Belmadi has underlined the importance of securing maximum points when his side takes on bottom-placed Umm Salal Wednesday at Al Khor Stadium in the Qatar Stars League.Al Duhail, last season’s runners-up, come into the match in sixth place with 20 points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Al Rayyan in the previous round. With the race for the top four intensifying, Belmadi stressed that his side must capitalise against teams lower down the table to remain in contention.“The difficulty of this match lies in the position of the opponent and the presence of a new coach,” Belmadi said. “Umm Salal will be fighting to escape their situation, and that requires us to play with full commitment and focus.”Belmadi also highlighted the challenges his team has faced this season, particularly a spate of injuries. Key absentees have included Brazilian defender Lucas Silva, captain Almoez Ali and first-choice goalkeeper Salah Zakaria, all of whom have missed significant periods.Despite the setbacks, Belmadi insisted Al Duhail are determined to push forward and finish the season as strongly as possible. Umm Salal, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the standings with nine points. The club recently parted ways with French coach Patrice Carteron and appointed Spaniard Ruben Albis, but results have yet to improve, with a 4-2 defeat to Al Arabi marking their third straight loss and 11th of the campaign.Albis acknowledged the scale of the task facing his side but said his players are determined to rise to the challenge. “We are facing a strong opponent with outstanding players, but every team has weaknesses,” Albis said. “Our focus is on mental and technical preparation, clear roles on the pitch and playing with character to fight for the three points.”Title race intensifiesMeanwhile, league leaders Al Gharafa will look to defend their narrow advantage at the top of the table. Al Gharafa, who have 31 points, face Al Sailiya on Thursday at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium as they attempt to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Al Sadd in the previous round. The loss denied them the chance to take a significant step towards a first league title since the 2009-2010 season.Al Sailiya, tenth on 12 points, head into the fixture buoyed by improved form, having beaten Qatar SC 2-1 before holding Al Shamal to a goalless draw.Al Sadd, just two points behind the leaders on 29, will aim to keep the pressure on when they host Al Shahaniya at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium Thursday. The defending champions have reignited the title race with six consecutive victories, including last round’s crucial win over Al Gharafa.Third-placed Al Shamal, on 25 points, face a tricky away test against an in-form Al Arabi at Al Thumama Stadium. Al Arabi climbed to fifth with 23 points after a 4-2 victory over Umm Salal, continuing an impressive run under coach Cosmin Contra.Friday’s fixtures include a high-profile clash between Qatar SC and Al Rayyan at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium. Qatar SC moved up to seventh with 20 points after ending a five-match losing streak by beating Al Ahli, while Al Rayyan remain fourth on 24 points following their draw with Al Duhail.The round concludes with Al Wakrah hosting Al Ahli at Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium. Al Wakrah sit eighth on 19 points after a commanding 4-0 win over Al Shahaniya, while Al Ahli are ninth with 15 points after back-to-back defeats. 

Al Duhail secured their first win after defeating Shabab Al Ahli 4-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite tie at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium Monday.It was a stunning victory as UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli had come into the tie very much in form, having accumulated seven points from their earlier matches while Al Duhail had only managed a draw from their preceding games.Al Duhail survived an early blunder when Federico Cartabia pounced on Bogdan Planic’s stray pass to find Sultan Adil but keeper Bautista Burke came to the rescue, denying the forward inside the opening minute. Luis Alberto turned the tables on Shabab Al Ahli a minute later when he threaded a sublime pass to Edmílson Junior on the left flank with the Brazilian cutting inside before unleashing a rasping shot, touching the fingertips of keeper Hamad Al Meqbaali before nestling into the bottom right corner.The Qatari outfit thought they had a penalty in the fourth minute following Benjamin Bourigeaud’s apparent handball inside the area but the decision was ruled out for a free-kick at the edge of the box, which Cartabia sent wide.Al Duhail continued to dominate, coming agonisingly close when Krzysztof Piatek struck the post after a clever exchange with Marco Verratti.Their pressure paid off in the 39th minute when Benjamin Bourigeaud had the time and space to send a curling effort from just above the box past Al Meqbaali off Edmilson’s corner.Shabab Al Ahli refused to give up and reduced the deficit three minutes later with Breno Cascardo converting Cartabia’s corner with a glancing header.Shabab Al Ahli started the second half brightly, with Guilherme Bala firing narrowly wide from distance in the 52nd minute, while Yuri Cesar saw his close-range effort blocked following a period of sustained pressure.Al Duhail, however, put the brakes on Shabab Al Ahli’s momentum in the 57th minute with Adil Boulbina latching on to Benjamin Bourigeaud’s cutback and rifling his shot into the corner.Shabab Al Ahli escaped going further behind in the 65th minute when Al Meqbaali was forced to tip over Bourigeaud’s effort from just above the box before the shot stopper guessed the right way to deny Piatek from the spot after Mateus Henrique conceded a penalty for bringing down Edmílson.The Emiratis threatened through Kauan Santos in the 76th minute, who saw his stinging free-kick palmed away by Burke while at the other end, Al Meqbaali was kept on his toes, denying Luis Alberto from distance.Boulbina was denied his second after hitting the left post in the 79th minute with Al Duhail completing the emphatic win through Luis Alberto’s strike in stoppage time.

Al Rayyan defeated Al Duhail 3-1 in the fourth round of the QSL Cup at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Ali al-Qahtani opened the scoring for Al Rayyan in the 54th minute, with Mohammed Siraj and Faisal Mohammed adding goals in the 66th and 76th minutes respectively. Mubarak Shanan had earlier put Al Duhail ahead in the 35th minute. The win lifted Al Rayyan to 13 points, while Al Duhail remained on four. At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Shahaniya pulled off a surprise 2-1 victory over Al Sadd in an exciting contest. Mohammed Balah gave Al Shahaniya the lead in the 32nd minute, before Abdulrahman al-Sultan equalised early in the second half. However, Ali Saeed al-Mohannadi struck deep into stoppage time to hand Al Shahaniya their third win of the competition. Al Sadd, meanwhile, suffered their fourth defeat, having drawn once so far. In another fixture, Al Arabi crushed Lusail 6-1 at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Yazan al-Naimat scored a hat-trick (22nd, 34th, 87th minutes), while Joao Pedro netted twice (19th, 40th), and Michel Olunga added a sixth in the 75th minute. Mohammed Shaaban scored Lusail’s lone goal in the 57th minute. The result took Al Arabi to 13 points, while Lusail stayed on four. At Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, Al Gharafa and Mesaimeer played out a 2-2 draw. Moaz Adam and Abu Al-Qasim Mohammed put Al Gharafa 2-0 ahead, but Hamad Balgheeth struck twice to earn Mesaimeer a share of the spoils. Qatar SC, who were languishing in 16th place with three points, improved slightly to four following this round, while Mesaimeer moved to six points.

Al Gharafa went top of the table after defeating Al Ahli 3-1, while Al Arabi stunned defending champions Al Sadd 3-1 in the Qatar Stars League Saturday. Al Duhail, meanwhile, earned a crucial 2-0 win over Al Shamal, who slumped from top spot to third.At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Sadd suffered a surprise defeat to Al Arabi, who came from behind to seal an impressive win. Akram Afif had given Al Sadd the lead in the 39th minute with a right-footed finish from the centre of the box after a clever through ball from Guilherme. However, Al Arabi responded swiftly through Michael Olunga, who headed home a fine cross from Rodri Sanchez just four minutes later.Misfortune struck Al Sadd moments before half-time when defender Ahmed Suhail inadvertently turned a Mohammed Khaled cross into his own net to hand Al Arabi the advantage. Matters worsened for the hosts when Paulo Otavio was sent off for violent conduct, leaving them a man short before the break.Al Arabi sealed the result late in the second half when Sanchez capitalised on a rebound after substitute Salem Reda’s shot struck the upright, firing home to make it 3-1. The win lifted Al Arabi to ninth place with seven points, while Al Sadd remained on eight points in seventh.Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham said that the match against Al Arabi was difficult and that the team is going through its toughest period. “The match was difficult, and the expulsion of Otavio affected us, especially since the players were feeling exhausted. We are going through a difficult period and it has been a while since we achieved any victory. We do not know exactly what the problem is. The fans support the team and we must return in better shape,” he said.Meanwhile, at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Al Duhail recorded a vital win over Al Shamal. Krzysztof Piatek opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Tahsin Jamshid doubled the lead in the 41st. Despite Benjamin Bourigeaud missing a penalty late on, the Red Knights held firm for their third win of the campaign, taking their tally to 11 points as they stayed fourth. Al Shamal, suffering their first defeat of the season, remained on 14 points and dropped to third.Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi praised his side’s display, saying: “We achieved an important victory against Al Shamal. This result reflects our teamwork and determination. The players gave a great effort tonight, and I thank them for their performance and commitment.”In the day’s other fixture, Al Gharafa climbed to the summit with a convincing win over Al Ahli at Al Thumama Stadium. Goals from Ferjani Sassi (47th minute), Seydou Sano (62nd minute) and an own goal by Amin Tihi (90th minute) helped Al Gharafa to victory, while Al Ahli’s lone goal was scored from the penalty spot by Julian Draxler in the 59th minute.The result took Al Gharafa to 16 points at the top of the standings. Qatar SC, who are in action Sunday against Umm Salal, can leapfrog Gharafa with a win.After an exciting but goalless first half, Sassi opened the scoring for Al Gharafa two minutes into the second half with a beautiful header from the centre of the box following a corner. The goal seemed to spur the hosts into action, and they responded 12 minutes later from the spot through Draxler following a foul on Michel Vlap by Sassi in the penalty area.The Cheetahs restored their lead through Sano three minutes later, who nodded home from an unmarked position following a corner kick by Yacine Brahimi. Al Ahli’s woes were further compounded at the stroke of regulation time when Tihi unwittingly turned the ball into his own net from a blocked shot to ensure a convincing win for Al Gharafa.