Staff Reporter
Doha: Al Sadd secured their third consecutive Falcon Shield after edging Al Shamal 3-2 in a dramatic title-deciding clash on the final day of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League season at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday.
Goals from Akram Afif (20th minute), Roberto Firmino (22nd), and Paulo Otavio (68th) sealed the victory for Al Sadd, while Baghdad Bounedjah (65th) and Jeison Murillo (85th, penalty) replied for Al Shamal.
The result saw Al Sadd finish top with 45 points, five ahead of Al Shamal, who needed a win to claim their maiden league title.
Afif opened the scoring with a deflected effort before Firmino quickly doubled the lead. Despite being reduced to ten men following Abdessamed Bounacer’s red card early in the second half, Al Shamal fought back through Bounedjah. However, Otavio restored Al Sadd’s cushion before a late penalty by Murillo proved insufficient.
The triumph marks Al Sadd’s 19th league title and their first under coach Roberto Mancini.
In other matches, Umm Salal were relegated after a 3-1 defeat to Al Ahli, while Al Shahania secured a playoff spot following a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Gharafa, sealed by a late equaliser from Francesco Antonucci.
Al Ahli’s goals came through Islam Yaseen, Michel Vlap and Julian Draxler, while Oussama Tannane netted a consolation for Umm Salal.
Presenting to you the 2025-2026 #DohaBankStarsLeague champions 🏆pic.twitter.com/5zhTsXZhhr
— Qatar Stars League (@QSL_EN) April 27, 2026
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan ended their league campaign in dominant fashion with a 4-0 victory over Al Arabi in Week 22 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The win ensured Al Rayyan finished third with 38 points, as Al Arabi concluded the season in seventh place on 32 points.
Elsewhere, Spaniard Luis Alberto struck a brace as Al Wakrah beat Al Sailiya 3-2 at the Al Thumama Stadium. Alberto found the target in the 8th and 86th minutes of the match while Amine Zouhzouh scored in the 45+8 minute for Al Wakrah. Al Sailiya’s only goal of the game came from Youssef Snana (66th minute).
Brazilian pro Lucas Silva Melo “Tuta” scored a brace as Al Duhail edged Qatar SC 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. Tuta scored Al Duhail’s goals in the 13th and 55th minutes of the match while Faiz Selemani scored Qatar SC’s only goal in the 42nd minute.
