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Leaders Al Gharafa will be aiming for a swift return to winning ways as they face upbeat Umm Salal in the opening match of second leg of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) at the Al Khor Stadium today. Al Gharafa lost to Al Shahania in the previous round, which left them with 25 points. While they remain at the top of standings, they are aware that any further slip-up could complicate their position at the summit, making a strong response and early recovery crucial. “The upcoming match against Umm Salal is crucial. I am not happy with our previous-round performance against Al Shahania. However, I have witnessed a positive reaction from the players, demonstrated through their daily work and desire to put the past behind them, rediscover the team’s character and maintain its strength,” said Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins.**media[401507]**“We now have a very important match ahead of us and we are aiming for a strong response to secure a victory. All these factors make the match challenging, but I have confidence in my players’ ability to deliver a strong performance against Umm Salal,” said Martins.Umm Salal are riding high after their valuable victory over Al Ahli in the last round, a win that has given them a significant boost before this challenging encounter. Umm Salal are currently in 10th place with nine points and seek to continue their winning streak, improve their position in the standings and gradually move away from the relegation zone. The match is an important test for both teams at the start of the round, between Al Gharafa’s desire to confirm their right to the top spot and Umm Salal’s ambition to build on their recent victory and deliver a strong performance that reflects their gradual return to their usual level. Umm Salal head coach Patrice Carteron has described the match as both important and challenging. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the French coach said the match would be difficult for both teams, with each pushing for victory and the three points.**media[401508]**Carteron said Umm Salal are fully prepared for the match and expressed hope of building on their recent momentum following a win over Al Ahli in the previous round. He stressed that his team will be playing for victory as they look to improve their position in the league table. In the other match of the day, Al Sailiya and Al Rayyan will meet in a crucial match at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi club. The kick-off is at 7.30pm. This encounter holds particular significance for both teams. Al Sailiya, under the tutelage of Mirghani al-Zain, aiming for a strong start to the second leg of competition. Meanwhile, Al Rayyan, under the guidance of their Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, will be looking to maintain their title challenge. “The first half of the season was fantastic for us, but we must continue working hard to maintain our position at the top of the league. Currently, we are in the top four of the league and leading the QSL Cup and the Gulf Champions League. In the second half, we must try to maintain the same desire and enthusiasm to achieve even more and reach our goals for this season,” Jorge said. “We have several new players who have joined the team this season. Al Rayyan is one of the biggest club in Qatar, and we must approach every match with the aim of winning. Our objective in the upcoming match is to secure the three points. We must also avoid the mistakes we made in the first half. We have a different opponent, and we must play with the same mentality and achieve victory to start the second half of the season with an important win.” Al Sailiya currently sit in 11th place, second to last, with eight points, while Al Rayyan occupy fourth place with 20 points. TODAY’S SCHEDULE Al Gharafa vs Umm SalalAl Khor Stadium, 5.30pmAl Rayyan vs Al SailiyaGrand Hamad Stadium, 7.30pm 

The Ministry of Culture has launched the Children’s Story Designer Programme 6 at the Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal Saturday, with the participation of 101 children aged seven to 17.The stories covered Qatari heritage from the north to the south.With professional editing assistance, the young writers were confident while introducing their stories to visitors in a dedicated pavilion for the Children’s Story Designer Programme 6.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ceremony, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, the director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, said: “This is the sixth edition of the Children’s Book Designer Programme, in collaboration with the Children’s Literature Centre.”“This programme engages 101 children who have written stories about Qatari culture and identity, focusing on the country’s regions and their tree habitats,” he said. “Each child has chosen a specific area of Qatar. The programme aims to encourage children to write stories, draw, colour, and design.”“They also received training courses on how to interact and communicate with the public, fostering self-confidence,” al-Buainain continued. “It’s a comprehensive programme designed to cultivate a generation of conscious, literate, and cultured individuals.”“Registration opened in August during the summer, and we received applications, interviewed the students, and administered a required test,” the official said. “The programme then launched in September, and we are now reaping the rewards of this effort.”“These books will be published and showcased at the Doha International Book Fair,” al-Buainain added.The National Day 2025 celebrations continued Saturday at Darb Al Saai, under the theme of With You It Rises and From You It Awaits, organised by the Ministry of Culture from December 10-20. 

The Ministry of Culture’s Music Affairs Centre is participating in Qatar National Day (QND) celebrations at Darb Al Saai in Umm Slal by holding a music museum that showcases all aspects of Qatari traditional music.The exhibition offers an overview of the history of music in Qatar, introducing the most important music instruments known in the country since earlier times, their evolution, the features of Qatari music, and Qatar’s musical tradition.Music Affairs Centre director Khalid al-Salem told the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the music museum at Darb Al Saai is exhibiting instruments used in traditional Qatari music in all its forms, including music played during sea voyages, orchestral music, as well as music from various world countries.He said that this year the music museum is presenting five daily stage performances: the sea voyage musical arts segment, the Sidra children’s choir segment (featuring 45 children performing national songs), the story and tale segment, a segment on Ziryab, his life, and his significant influence on Arabic music, and the oud trio segment.The music museum aims to encapsulate traditional Qatari music and provide the most extensive body of information about it, featuring the instrumentalists, composers, lyricists, and singers who helped create Qatari music and songs, in addition to the instruments used back in the days.It includes a special section featuring devices used to record songs from the beginning of the last century until today and their stages of development.  

The Qatar National Day 2025 celebrations at Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area continue to attract a large turnout, with families making up the most prominent presence. Held under the slogan “With you we rise, and from you we anticipate” and organised by the Ministry of Culture until December 20, the event features heritage and entertainment shows, competitions, and arts, among other cultural activations.**media[392623]**The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is taking part with a specially designed pavilion shaped as a comprehensive “security village.” It showcases the Ministry’s modern security ecosystem and its broad community engagement, with the participation of around 15 specialised departments and units.**media[392621]**The pavilion offers a unique blend of security education, direct public services, and innovative interactive activities tailoured for all age groups. MoI aims to strengthen community partnership, foster direct communication with the public, highlight its vital role in maintaining national security and stability, and introduce younger generations to Qatar’s heritage and values that underpin security and community work.The General Directorate of Civil Defence presents live demonstrations and simulations of firefighting and rescue operations, along with essential educational materials on public safety and fire prevention.**media[392624]**Qatar Archives is also participating this year with a distinctive pavilion at Darb Al Saai aimed at introducing the public to its mission. Mohammed Hassan al-Shahrani, head of the Private Archives Department, said that this year’s participation features a renewed approach, with the pavilion designed to align with the identity of the State of Qatar’s emblem and highlight its historical evolution in a simple, audience-friendly way.The “Al Bidaa” activity at Darb Al Saai 2025 presents an advanced model of maritime heritage showcasing, through a specially designed space that reintroduces Qatar’s maritime professions with a modern vision rooted in live documentation and interactive experiences.**media[392626]**Nayef Malallah Al-Muhannadi, head of Al-Maha Folk Arts Group, said their participation adds significant value to the maritime arts segment. This is the first year the group participates with a large number of Qatari nahham performers (maritime chanters), giving the performance a distinct presence.**media[392622]**The Maritime Museum at Darb Al Saai is one of the most popular stops, offering an immersive experience that showcases Qatar’s maritime history and its role in shaping national identity. The museum includes original heritage items such as diving and pearling tools, old navigation maps and routes, and models of traditional vessels used by ancestors. It documents maritime professions and their evolution across eras.

His Excellency the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani Wednesday inaugurated the National Day celebrations at Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal, marking the start of 11 days of cultural and heritage activities organised by the Ministry of Culture from December 10–20.The ceremony featured the raising of the national flag in the main square, accompanied by patriotic songs, and a Darb Al Saai parade that included purebred Arabian horses, camels and the traditional Qatari ardha. The opening drew a large turnout of citizens and residents eager to experience the festive atmosphere from the outset.**media[392195]**Following the ceremony, HE the Minister toured a wide range of cultural, artistic and heritage activities spread across 150,000 sqm, accompanied by diplomats representing various countries and senior officials. Darb Al Saai, now a permanent national venue, is designed to bring the community together around Qatar’s history, values and identity.Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and General Supervisor of the National Day celebrations, said this year’s events embody the National Day slogan, noting that Darb Al Saai represents a renewed national message that celebrates pride in an authentic past while looking confidently toward the future.**media[392196]**He said the venue continues to develop as a dynamic cultural and heritage platform, showcasing the depth of Qatar’s history through diverse programming that blends heritage, culture, education and entertainment. This year’s edition, he added, places particular emphasis on strengthening national identity and engaging all segments of society through modern, innovative presentations of Qatari heritage.A wide range of ministries and State institutions are taking part, including the Ministries of Defence, Interior, and Communications and Information Technology, as well as the Qatar Documentary House, the National Cybersecurity Agency, the Qatar Cultural Center for the Deaf, the Qatar Photography Center, the Social and Cultural Center for the Blind, Qatar Reads and Qatar Islamic Bank.**media[392197]**The programme features traditional displays of Qatar’s past on land and sea, the Qatari house, and the old market that reflects the country’s social history. Key heritage components include Al-Maqtar — a recreation of Bedouin life with poetry sessions, riddles, and specialised heritage houses such as the Falconry House and the Sadu and Weaving House — and Al-Ezbah, where children learn camel riding and experience traditional nomadic life.A major maritime heritage zone, Al-Bidaa showcases traditional seafaring culture through the nakhuda majlis, the nahham, the tawwash, the teacher’s house and a dedicated maritime museum, alongside traditional games and cultural competitions. Children’s programming is extensive, including outdoor sports and Sana Qatar, a digital exhibition offering immersive experiences using advanced display technologies and interactive content.The main stage will host daily cultural activities, including seminars and poetry evenings, while several art exhibitions explore different facets of Qatar’s history and identity. Among them is the 'Year of the Drowning' exhibition, highlighting one of the Gulf’s most significant maritime tragedies.Other showcases include Yousuf Ahmed’s 'Palm Tree' exhibition, featuring handmade paper crafted from palm fronds, and Mohammed al-Jaidah’s 'Features of Life', documenting scenes from Qatar’s past.Darb Al Saai is open to the public daily from 3pm to 11pm at its permanent location, which blends Qatari architectural heritage with contemporary design and provides enhanced facilities to ensure a comfortable and safe visitor experience. 

The events commemorating Qatar National Day (QND) this year will be held at the Darb Al Saai venue in the Umm Salal area from Dec. 10 to 20, the Ministry of Culture has announced.Darb Al Saai will be opening its doors to the public daily from 3pm to 11pm at its permanent premises.The cultural events will feature an integrated experience showcasing the time-honoured Qatari heritage, spotlighting loyalty and belonging bequeathed from forefathers and inherited by the people of Qatar generation after generation, the ministry noted.It highlighted that these events are held under the QND's motto: "With You it Rises, From You it Awaits", offering a space for the gathering of citizens and residents to behold the history of this nation, its values, and identity, through a broad series of cultural, patrimonial, and artistic events on a space of 150,000 square meters at the permanent venue.**media[389254]**This year's events attract a host of entities, including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, National Cyber Security Agency, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, The National Archives of Qatar, Doha Forum, Qatar Cultural Center for the Deaf, Qatar Photography Center, Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind, Qatar Reads, and Qatar Islamic Bank.Al Muqtir and Al Izbah Heritage Camps emerge as the most consequential heritage pillars of these events, as contiguous houses represent a vivid simulation of life in the Qatari desert, hosting sessions of poetry and riddle games aimed at developing young people’s skills and familiarizing them with tribal dialects, desert routes, and landmarks.The encampment features several heritage houses, including the Falconry and Hunting House, the Sadu and Weaving House showcasing women's crafts, and the Dairy Production House.Al Izbah Heritage Camp allows children to learn camel riding and camel-handling techniques, providing a living model of the ancestral nomadic lifestyle and their steadfast adherence to traditional customs and practices.Darb Al Saai also boasts of hosting a side event of the maritime heritage through the Al Bidda event, featuring the Majlis Al Bidda, Bait Al Mutawa, the traditional cafe, Majlis Al Nokhatha, Al Nahham, and Akkas Al Freej, showcasing conventional sea‑heritage games, cultural contests, and a maritime museum documenting Qatar's seafaring history.Interestingly, bountiful events will be devoted to children as the organizing committee intends to organize activities in open areas, such as diverse sporting activities, with the main theatre hosting daily cultural events such as symposia and poetry evenings showcasing diverse patriotic and cultural content.His Excellency Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry and General Supervisor of QND celebrations, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, said this year's motto reflects the commitment to maximizing investment in fellow citizens and benefiting from their energies to have a supreme and prosperous nation.**media[389255]**The events of QND are laser-focused on deepening the notion of capacity-building as an institutional and societal culture and making sure that values of innovation, giving, and excellence are propagated, in addition to promoting the notions of responsibility, rights, and duties of institutions and individuals, Dr. al-Ali underlined.He pointed out that the key objective is to translate the vision of the sage leadership into making human beings the lynchpin of development and its aims.He further clarified that the events underscore the importance of concerted efforts between institutions and individuals, enhancing the spirit of initiative and effective participation, advancing national talents, and empowering them in a wide diversity of fields, thereby demonstrating the depth of national belonging and responsibility pursued by the people of this generous homeland.Darb Al Saai-hosted events are an extraordinary case to integrate the past with the present, opening a bright window toward the future, as this event behemoth constitutes a ground where identity grows and the meanings of patriotism of all community members integrate, Dr. al-Ali noted.He elaborated that Darb Al Saai brings the nation's people together around values rooted deep in history, where the fragrance of the past meets present awareness and future aspirations.This place remains a space that inspires and reinforces the values of Qatari identity as visitors to Darb Al Saai draw inspiration from its diverse activities, discovering the stories of those who came before and their will that shaped Qatar's journey, al-Ali pointed out.He stressed that children learn here the meanings of chivalry and dignity, youth test their abilities in participation and giving, while adults see in the eyes of the visitors an appreciation for the legacy of contribution and sacrifices.He reminded that the celebrations will feature the national parade along the Doha Corniche, a major patriotic event showcasing the participation of the various military and security sectors, alongside a number of state institutions.On the other hand, the organising committee indicated that Darb Al Saai will host a diverse and rich array of national, cultural, heritage, artistic, and recreational activities, aimed at strengthening national identity through the participation of all members of the community in this cherished national occasion.The venue will offer visitors of all ages and backgrounds a time-honored educational and heritage experience through the main stage, the Qatari House, the Art Gallery, Sana Qatar, and the main competition, along with other bountiful heritage activities, the committee highlighted.It further noted that the open spaces and exhibits at this venue reflect the work, faith, and vision through which the people of Qatar have built their history, emphasizing that Darb Al Saai remains an inspiring pathway, as Qatar's true strength lies in its people, their values, loyalty, and commitment to preserving heritage while building the future.The committee also highlighted the Ardha patrimonial event to be staged in Lusail, a key feature of the National Day celebrations, embodying loyalty, patriotism, and unity among the Qatari people, while celebrating national pride, heritage, and the legacy of forebears.Noteworthy, Darb Al Saai will be opening its doors to the public daily from 3p.m. to 11p.m. at its permanent premises, which were designed in a style that fuses Qatari architectural heritage with epochal touches, offering top-notch services and facilities that ensure comfortable and secure moments for visitors and participating entities.Pavilions and booths are meticulously distributed, enhancing the visual dimension and highlighting Qatari identity in all its details. 

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, concluded Sunday evening. The festival ran for six days, filled with activities and events, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area.On this occasion, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatar Photography Center, affirmed the great success of the second edition of the festival, noting that it provided an excellent opportunity for photographers and the public to enjoy the exhibitions, which varied in their themes, topics, and perspectives.He emphasized that the festival was organised by the Ministry of Culture to promote photographic heritage and culture, highlighting the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and showcasing its beauty and rich heritage. It also aimed to promote local photographic art and highlight photography as a tool for documentation and expression.Al-Buainain noted the significant turnout for the specialized workshops presented by international photographers, as well as the lectures and panel discussions, confirming their popularity and the wide range of participants who benefited from them. He also pointed out that the Doha Photography Award had a significant impact and served as a strong incentive for photographers, in addition to the success of the children's events, which attracted a remarkable number of families.Al-Buainain concluded by expressing his delight at the large audience from outside Doha, including photographers from the Gulf and other Arab countries, who visited the festival to benefit from its rich programme. He considered this evidence of the festival's broad international reach, which helped attract such international participation and strengthened its regional standing.The festival witnessed a large turnout of photographers, both local and international, with the participation of eight leading global camera companies, reaffirming its position as a leading platform for photographic art in the region. The festival also presented a rich and diverse programme that included art exhibitions with different themes and perspectives, specialized workshops led by international photographers, and lectures and panel discussions that were well-received by the public and benefited a large number of photography enthusiasts.The festival also saw the announcement of the inaugural Doha Photography Awards, which served as a significant incentive for photographers. With this conclusion, the Doha Photography Festival reinforces its status as a major artistic and cultural event that contributes to enriching the photographic landscape and provides a platform for exchanging expertise and promoting photographic culture across the region.

Al Shamal handed Umm Salal a 5-0 thrashing in the Qatar Stars League at the Al Khor Stadium Saturday to go second in the table behind leaders Al Gharafa.Their fifth win of the league took Al Shamal’s tally to 17 points to be second in the standings, ahead of Qatar SC on goal difference. Umm Salal with a sixth loss are in 11th with 6 points while Al Gharafa are at the top with 19 points.Umm Salal were also reduced to 10-man in the 88th minute when Diyab Haroon Taha was sent off for a foul against Baghdad Bounedjah.In what a forgettable day for them, Umm Salal also suffered from two goalkeeping errors at the start which saw Al Shamal go up with a 2-0 lead before they added three more to the scoreline. Al Shamal led 3-0 at half time.Alex Collado (11th & 54th minutes), Issoufou Dayo – Own Goal (18th minute), Badghdad Bounedjah (38th minute), and Moufak Awad (90th minute) contributed the goals.Umm Salal goalkeeper Jehad Mohammad Hudib had a horror when a powerful Collado kick went through his hands and legs. Seven minutes later, there was more trouble as Hudib failed to read a back pass from Dayo, getting beaten to his right as the ball rolled into the net. Bounedjah added a third scoring from in front of the goal off a fine assist from Collado.In the second half, Collado struck again from top of the box with his left-footer finding the left corner of the net. Just ahead of added time, a Bounedjah free kick was blocked by a leaping Hudib but Moufak Awad lunged forward to kick the ball in to complete a 5-0 rout. On a day when nothing seemed to go right for Umm Salal, a second half free kick also hit the right post before falling away in what was the only glimmer of hope.Ahli beat SailiyaEarlier at the Grand Hamad Stadium, Al Ahli scored a 2-1 win over Al Sailiya to move to 9th spot. Al Sailiya with 6 points are in tenth.Julian Draxler scored a brace (27th & 90 +1 minute - penalty) to bounce Al Ahli back to winning ways while Al Sailiya’s only goal was scored by Youssef Sinana (45 + 3 minute) via a penalty.Draxler’s made a stunning right-footed shot from the right side of the box to open the scoring, while Al Sailiya’s Sinana restored parity via a spot kick just before half time after Al Ahli’s Hilal Mohammed handled the ball in the danger area. With the match heading for a draw, Draxler, once again, made the difference as he scored from the spot at the stroke of regulation time to give The Brigadiers an important victory.

Joao Pedro scored a brace to give 10-man Qatar SC 2-1 win in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) match against Umm Salal to lift them to top spot Sunday.Qatar SC are now top of the table with 17 points, one more than second-placed Al Gharafa, while Al Shamal are at the third place with 14 points. Former champions Al Rayyan, who defeated Al Wakrah 2-0 Sunday for their fourth win of the season, are at the fourth place with 13 points.At the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Pedro scored a penalty in the 51st minute before finding the net again in the 85th minute after Rami Suhail had given Umm Salal the lead in 45+3 minute.Qatar SC were reduced to 10 men as early as the 14th minute, with Ahmed Sayyar given the boot after a second successive booking for nasty fouls committed by him.With their one-man advantage, the pendulum began to swing in favour of Umm Salal, and they made their numerical strength count with Rami Suhail bagging the opener with a header from the centre of the box just before the half-time break. Qatar SC came back for the concluding half of the match, determined to fight to a standstill, irrespective of being a man down, and their resilience paid off in the 51st minute with Joao Pedro scoring a fantastic penalty goal to restore parity following a bad foul on Ali Saoudi by Umm Salal’s Naim Laidouni.Pedro emerged as the star of the night for his side when he scored his second of the night and the winning goal for The Kings with a right-footed shot from outside the box, which perfectly located the bottom left corner of Umm Salal’s goal to ensure the maximum points for his team.Al Sailiya 1 Al Shahania 0Al Sailiya clinched a crucial 1-0 win over Al Shahania in an absorbing match at the Al Khor Stadium Sunday. The only goal of the match was scored by Diogo Amaro, who deflected in a teammate’s header, in the 35th minute of the match.The win, Al Sailiya’s only second of the league, took their tally to six points. Al Shahania, who tried really hard in the second half to force a deadlock, were unsuccessful in finding a good finish. A Francesco Antonucci free-kick sailed just over the bar, while a Pelle van Amersfoort charge in dying moments was cut off by Al Sailiya goalkeeper Fahad Younis.It was Al Shahania’s fifth loss and pushed them into the 12th place with four points.

Al Arabi handed Al Duhail a crushing 4-0 defeat in the fifth round match of the QSL Cup 2025-26 season at the Grand Hamad Stadium Sunday.The victory, Al Arabi’s third of the tournament, Sunday kept them in third place in the standings with 10 points – behind on goal difference with leaders Al Kharaitiyat and second-placed Umm Salal.Al Rayyan, also with 10 points, are in fourth spot.Al Duhail with a second loss and 4 points have slipped to 15th place.Al Arabi were on the attack against Al Duhail from the word go with Isaac Lihadji scoring in the 2nd minute of the match. Jordan Veretout scored the team’s second goal in the 40th minute.In the second half Aladin Hasan (67th minute) and Pablo Sarabia (72nd minute) added more to the tally.Umm Salal thrash Al Sadd 5-0 Earlier, Umm Salal blanked Al Sadd 5-0 at the Al Shamal Stadium.It was Umm Salal’s third win of the tournament while Al Sadd, who suffered their third defeat, remain on 1 point and in 19th place in the 20-team tournament.Umm Salal led 1-0 at half time only to come back steamrolling in the second session to score four more goals.Antonio Mance (38th minute), Cristo Gonzalez (48th minute), Jean Quaisi (70 & 82 minutes) and Ahmed Sayed (90+1 minute) got the goals for Umm Salal.Qatar SC beat Al Ahli 6-1Qatar SC yesterday beat Al Ahli 6-1 at Al Khor Stadium.The game was clearly beyond Al Ahli’s reach by the blast of the whistle for the closing of the first half, with Qatar SC leading 4-0, benefiting from two own goals from Al Ahli’s Khaled Hassan (second and 39th minutes), while Raoul Sanda (14th minute) and Saeed Brahmi (44th minute) added one each.The Brigadiers got their consolation goal in the 49th minute via a penalty kick through Talal Ali, but Joao Pedro (75th minute) and Yan Matheus (88th minute) added two more for Qatar SC to ensure the emphatic victory, which secured them their first 3 points (their only points so far) of the competition, while Al Ahli remained on 1 point.

Substitute Jacinto Dala scored two goals as Al Wakrah defeated Umm Salal 3-2 in the Qatar Stars League at the Khalifa International Stadium Friday. Despite The Blue Wave’s series of relentless attacks, they met a formidable wall of defence in Umm Salal, which they could not break down until the 54th minute when Hamdy Fathy found the net.Umm Salal got the equaliser in the 63rd minute through Cristo Gonzalez. Dala, who came in the 74th minute, restored Al Wakrah’s lead from the edge of the box in the 78th minute. Ironically, Dala turned from a hero to a villain nine minutes later when he mistakenly nodded the ball into his own net from an Umm Salal set piece. The Angolan international, however, got a redemption in two minutes of added time as he scored the winner.Al Shahania were beaten 1-2 by Al Ahli in their enthralling match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Pelle van Amersfoort opened the scoring for Al Shahania from the spot in the 14th minute after Al Ahli’s Driss Fettouhi fouled Mohammed Sayyar inside the box. The Dutchman made no mistake in converting with a right-footed shot, once the controversy that ensued following the penalty decision was resolved after a lengthy VAR check.The lone goal separated the two sides going into the half-time break. Parity was restored for Al Ahli in the 54th minute through Suhaib Gannan, who perfectly turned in a cross from Erik Exposito with ease. Twelve minutes later, Michel Vlap registered his name on the scorers’ sheet as Al Ahli took the lead, with the goal eventually proving to be the match winner.

Qatar SC scored a hard fought 1-0 win over Al Shahania in the fifth round of Qatar Stars League at the Khalifa International Stadium Sunday to take the second spot in the standings with 13 points, and behind Al Shamal on goal difference.Al Rayyan beat Al Ahli 3-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium to move third in the table with 10 points, ahead of Al Gharafa on goal difference.At the Al Bayt Stadium Umm Salal prevailed 2-1 over Al Sailiya. Umm Salal are now 6th in standings with 8 points while bottom-placed Sailiya are yet to open their account.Brazilian forward Joao Pedro made the winning strike for Qatar SC in the 54th minute as he picked on an Eisa Palangi assist to dribble past defenders before essaying a kick from inside the top of the box into the far right corner of the net.Al Shahania, who were majorly confined to defence, made some big efforts to attack in the second half including a Daouda Soliman’s attempt to go over an advancing Qatar SC goalkeeper Ali Nader Mahmoud but in vain.Al Shahania are on four points following their third loss while Qatar SC have four wins and a draw in their unbeaten run so far.The Lions make a roarAl Rayyan handed Al Ahli a 0-3 defeat taking lead in the 29th minute through Rodrigo Machado, who finished off a pass from Wesley Ribeiro with a left-footed shot from very close range. The goal was, however, contested for an offside ruling against Aleksandar Mitrovic in its buildup, but the final decision, after a lengthy VAR check, ensured that it stood to the consternation of the Al Ahli bench and stand.Mitrovic made it two for the Lions just before the half-time break, nodding home the rebound of Rodrigo's attempt that bounced off the crossbar, as the coach Artur Jorge's men went into the dugout with a comfortable lead. While Al Ahli, who are enduring one of their worst starts to the season with only one win so far, tried to cut the deficit with some impressive play after their opponents' second goal.Luck was, however, not on their side, as Al Rayyan got their third in the 86th minute with Róger Guedes, assisted by Mohamed Surag, hammering home a right-footed shot from the left side of the box following a fast break to ensure an emphatic victory for the visiting team, who recorded their third win of the season.Umm Salal find winning waysUmm Salal bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 defeat of Al Sailiya. The match appeared evenly balanced after the hour mark when Al Sailiya’s Omar Yahya conceded a penalty following a seemingly rash challenge on Umm Salal’s Abdulrahman Al Rashidi. The decision, which was heavily contested by Al Sailiya, eventually stood after a VAR check and the resultant spot kick was cleverly converted by Oussama Tannane in the 33rd minute. Umm Salal continued to be the better side on resumption of proceedings in the second half, offering waves of relentless attacks while pegging the visitors to their own half of the field for most of the encounter.Their efforts eventually paid off as they doubled their lead in the 80th minute, with Cristo Gonzalez making a brilliant overlapping run before squaring the ball to Rami Suhail to slide into an almost empty net.A consolation goal from Khalid Ali in one minute of added time ended up doing little to help Al Sailiya’s cause as Umm Salal ended up with the maximum points in their kitty.