Qatar SC Stuns Al Sadd in Thrilling 3-2 Season Opener

In a gripping start to the Qatar Stars League (QSL) season, Qatar SC delivered a stunning performance by defeating defending champions Al Sadd 3-2 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on March 15, 2024. The match showcased both teams’ attacking prowess and set the tone for an exciting league campaign.

Qatar SC, now under the management of Marquez Lopez, appeared sharper from the outset. In the 15th minute, Joao Pedro nearly opened the scoring with a powerful header, but Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham made a remarkable save to keep the match level.

Qatar SC Takes the Lead

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Ali Saoud evaded his marker to head in a corner, sending the ball into the far corner of the net. This goal gave Qatar SC, who finished 10th in the previous season, a well-deserved lead and energized their supporters.

In response, Al Sadd ramped up their efforts to equalize. Giovani and Guilherme Torres both came close to scoring, while Akram Afif missed an opportunity after a strong run by Torres. The first half ended with Al Sadd trailing, leaving them in need of a comeback.

Giovani threatened immediately after the break, striking the crossbar with a powerful shot. The equalizer finally arrived in the 57th minute when Claudinho took a shot from outside the box that was blocked. Torres capitalized on the rebound, and although the goal was initially ruled offside, a VAR review confirmed it was valid.

Late Drama and Victory for Qatar SC

Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino made his much-anticipated debut for Al Sadd in the 73rd minute, receiving enthusiastic applause from the home crowd. However, Qatar SC quickly struck back. Just seconds after Firmino’s entry, Said Mohammed headed home a pinpoint cross from Faiz Selemani, restoring Qatar SC’s lead.

Six minutes later, Joao Pedro extended the advantage with a low drive from outside the box, making it 3-1. Al Sadd responded in the 84th minute as Claudinho headed in from a superb cross by Paulo Silva, but despite intense late pressure—including 11 minutes of stoppage time—Qatar SC held firm to secure a memorable victory.

Looking ahead, Al Sadd will aim to bounce back against Al Ahli on March 21, while Qatar SC will face Al Sailiya on the same day, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the QSL.

Al Duhail Held to Draw Against Al Shahania

In another match, Al Duhail settled for a 1-1 draw against Al Shahania after dominating possession but failing to convert opportunities. After a recent win over Sepahan SC in the AFC Champions League preliminaries, this result was disappointing for Al Duhail.

Al Shahania opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Pelle van Amersfoort, who finished from the center of the box after a clever assist by Moameen Mutasem Ragab. Although Ibrahima Bamba thought he had equalized shortly after, his goal was ruled offside.

Al Duhail finally broke through in the 52nd minute when captain Karim Boudiaf rose to head in a free-kick from Bourigeaud Benjamin, slotting it into the right corner. Despite sustained pressure following the equalizer, Al Duhail could not find a winner, and Al Shahania held on for a valuable point.

Al Duhail will next face Al Wakrah, while Al Shahania prepares to take on Umm Salal, both scheduled for March 23, 2024.