Ayo Victor
Doha: Qatar SC secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Al Shamal in their rescheduled Week 17 fixture of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.
The hosts capitalised on defensive lapses from Al Shamal, striking twice in the opening 18 minutes to take full control of the contest. Ahmad Al Rawi opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a clinical finish from the centre of the box, before Joao Pedro doubled the advantage just ten minutes later with another well-taken strike from a similar position.
Al Shamal’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered a further setback in the dying moments of the first half when Qatar SC’s Ali Saoudi was shown a red card in the 45+13th minute for a dangerous challenge on Baghdad Bounedjah.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Qatar SC held firm after the break as Al Shamal pushed forward in search of a way back into the match. The visitors created several promising opportunities but failed to convert any of them into goals.
Al Shamal’s frustration was compounded in the 70th minute when Naim Sliti unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar, denying them what would have been a much-needed lifeline.
The result lifted Qatar SC to 35 points, while Al Shamal remained on 37 points. Al Shamal, who had been challenging near the top of the table, were unable to break down a resilient Qatar SC defence despite sustained pressure throughout the second half.
The match, played at the impressive Al Bayt Stadium, highlighted Qatar SC’s clinical finishing in the early stages and their defensive discipline even when reduced to ten men. For Al Shamal, it was a missed opportunity to strengthen their position in the upper half of the standings.
