AThe defending champions, Al Sadd, achieved their inaugural victory of the 2024-2025 Ooredoo Stars League season by decisively defeating Qatar SC 5-1 during Week 2 at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
The goals for Al Sadd, known as The Wolves, were scored by Rafael Mujica (in the second and 89th minutes), Mohammed Waad (48th minute), Boualem Khoukhi (55th minute), and an own goal by Moataz Majed Bostami in the 90+5 minute.
Qatar SC managed to score once, with Javier Martinez finding the net in the 15th minute.
Al Sadd commenced the match with vigor, surprising their opponents shortly after the kick-off. Akram Afif initiated a set piece, passing to Abdulla Al Yazidi, who advanced down the right flank and delivered an excellent assist to Mujica for the opening goal.
Qatar SC responded by equalizing 12 minutes later. A corner kick, which was punched away by Al Sadd’s goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, fell to the unmarked Martinez, who skillfully slotted the ball into the net, making it 1-1.
Despite Al Sadd’s relentless attacks and several near misses, Qatar SC managed to hold the score until half-time.
Upon resuming play, Al Sadd displayed their dominance, regaining the lead with a spectacular goal from Mohammed Waad. He received a pass from Guilherme Torres on the left and unleashed a powerful shot from nearly 20 yards out, finding the back of the net.
From that point onward, Al Sadd continued to assert their dominance, scoring at regular intervals without facing significant resistance.
Breaking past Qatar SC defence now seemed no big challenge as The Wolves hunted ferociously as a pack. Their third goal was realized when Afif sent back a return pass to Hashim Ali down the left and he provided Khoukhi (at the centre of the box) with a perfect opportunity to strike with his left foot (3-1).
Qatar SC were now losing steam and Mujicia made the most of it as he picked a substitute Yusuf Abdurisag pass to wrestle past a challenging Bostami and break into the penalty area to beat a hapless goalkeeper Motasem Albustami (4-1).
There was more misery in store for Qatar SC as in the dying minute of stoppage time Bostami headed in a Mujicia cross into his own goal while slipping down on the turf (5-1).
