Doha: The 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League kicked off in style as Al Rayyan secured a 3-1 comeback victory against promoted side and last season’s Second Division champions Al Sailiya at Al Rayyan club’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday.
Roger Guedes was responsible for two of the goals for The Lions, scoring one from the spot in the 82nd minute before putting the icing on the cake in the 90th minute following a defensive error in the highly-entertaining encounter.
Hadi Ali registered the first goal of the season for Al Sailiya in the 20th minute to set the tone for a very entertaining encounter before an unmarked Julien de Sart rifled home a belter, inches from the edge of the 25-yard box, in the 68th minute to restore parity for Al Rayyan, who were earlier denied a penalty call via VAR decision in the 25th minute.
The win will doubtlessly serve as a morale booster for Portuguese coach Artur Jorge’s men, who finished last season in fifth place, while Al Sailiya, who are experiencing a new lease of life in the top division, will be looking forward to bounce back with a win in the next match.
Guedes was named Man of the Match.
