In an electrifying showdown in the Qatari Stars League, Al-Duhail maintained their grip on the top of the table with a commanding 2-0 victory over Al-Gharafa on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The match, held at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, showcased Al-Duhail's dominance as they extended their lead to 44 points, just one point ahead of second-placed Al-Sadd, who triumphed over Al-Wakrah with a clean 3-0 win.
Al-Duhail wasted no time asserting their authority in the match, with Almoez Ali opening the scoring in the 15th minute. The Moroccan star, Hakim Ziyech, played a pivotal role in the build-up, threading a precise pass to Almoez, who struck a low shot from the edge of the penalty area that found the back of the net. This early goal set the tone for what was to come, as Al-Duhail continued to press forward, creating numerous chances throughout the first half.
Despite Al-Duhail's early advantage, Al-Gharafa struggled to find their footing, particularly after losing their key midfielder, Ferjani Sassi, to injury just ten minutes into the match. The absence of Sassi was felt as Al-Gharafa's attack faltered, leaving them vulnerable to Al-Duhail's relentless pressure.
Al-Duhail's Michael Olunga had a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 27th minute when he found himself in front of an open goal after a rebound from the goalkeeper. However, he misfired, sending his shot wide of the post. The chances kept coming for Al-Duhail, with Ziyech again in the thick of the action, forcing a save from the Al-Gharafa goalkeeper with a powerful shot in the 32nd minute.
As the first half drew to a close, Al-Gharafa finally threatened Al-Duhail's goal, with defender Abdullah Youssef heading a corner just before halftime. However, the shot was cleared off the line, and the first half ended with Al-Duhail leading 1-0.
The second half saw a more spirited performance from Al-Gharafa, who began to create more chances. Rahab Yahya had a promising run down the right flank in the 54th minute, but his cross was intercepted. Al-Gharafa's striker, Joselu, also came close with a header that sailed over the crossbar in the 61st minute.
Despite Al-Gharafa's improved play, Al-Duhail's defense held firm. They absorbed the pressure and looked to hit back on the counter. In one such instance, Olunga had another chance to score but missed the target again in the 65th minute. The match remained tense as both teams searched for that crucial next goal.
As the game approached its final moments, Al-Duhail struck again. In the 87th minute, Haman Al-Amin made a brilliant run down the left wing, delivering a perfect cross to substitute Ismail Muhammad, who made no mistake in slotting the ball home to secure a 2-0 victory for Al-Duhail.
This victory not only solidified Al-Duhail's position at the top of the league but also showcased their attacking prowess and resilience in defense. Coach Christophe Galtier praised his team's performance, highlighting their ability to control the game and capitalize on key moments. "We played with intensity and showed great character, especially after losing our rhythm at times. The players executed the game plan perfectly," Galtier remarked.
On the other hand, Al-Gharafa's coach, Pedro Martins, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly with the injury to Sassi. "It was a tough match for us. We had our chances, but we couldn't convert them into goals. We need to regroup and focus on our next matches," he stated.
With this win, Al-Duhail is now in a strong position as they approach the final stretch of the season. They are looking to secure the league title, while Al-Gharafa, despite the setback, remains in third place with 37 points, still in contention for a top finish.
The league continues to heat up as teams vie for the championship, with Al-Duhail leading the charge. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks as the season reaches its climax.
