Ooredoo Stars League Week 1 Review

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The 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League’s Week 1 matches, played on August 9, 10 and 11, 2024, with two games each day, saw three victories and as many draws.

Al Rayyan secured a 3-1 victory over Umm Salal in the opener, while Al Khor and Al Gharafa played out a goalless draw on the first day.

Al Duhail delivered an impressive performance while defeating Qatar SC 6-1.

Meanwhile, Al Shamal celebrated a thrilling 2-1 win over reigning champions Al Sadd. Al Ahli and Al Wakrah played out an exhilarating 2-2 draw, while Al Shahania and Al Arabi were also locked in a goalless draw.

RESULTS

Al Rayyan bt Umm Salal 3-1

Al Khor drew Al Gharafa 0-0

Qatar SC lost to Al Duhail 1-6

Al Shamal bt Al Sadd 2-1

Al Wakrah drew Al Ahli 2-2

Al Shahania drew Al Arabi 0-0

A total of 18 goals were scored, averaging three goals per match, with the encounter between Qatar SC and Al Duhail witnessing the most (seven). Teams such as Al Khor, Al Gharafa, Al Shahania and Al Arabi managed to maintain clean sheets.

All three penalty kicks were missed, by Roger Guedes of Al Rayyan, Akram Afif of Al Sadd and Yousef Msakni of Al Arabi. As many as 23 yellow cards were issued and no red cards.

Against Umm Salal, Al Rayyan exhibited dominance in the first half by creating several opportunities, but failed to convert them to goals. Umm Salal’s defence performed admirably, resulting in a scoreless first half. In the second half, Hazem Shehata netted a goal for Al Rayyan, followed by an own goal from Eddiong Essien and another goal from Gabriel Pereira. Moroccan player Oussama Tannane scored the lone goal for Umm Salal.

The game between Al Khor and Al Gharafa saw both teams being engaged in a series of offensive plays. The post and crossbar thwarted their attempts to secure a decisive goal, resulting in a scoreless draw.

Al Shamal secured a significant victory against Al Sadd, winning 2-1. The contest was thrilling, with both teams striving for victory and the three points at stake. Al Shamal took the lead in the 31st minute, courtesy of Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah, who found the target in the 74th minute as well. Al Sadd managed to narrow the gap in the 89th minute when Al Shamal defender Jeison Murillo inadvertently scored an own goal.

In a thrilling encounter, Al Duhail secured a remarkable victory over Qatar SC, showcasing intense competition, fervour, and rivalry between the two sides. Al Duhail demonstrated superior performance throughout the match, with Michael Olunga breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute, followed by a second goal just three minutes later with a powerful strike. Qatar SC managed to narrow the gap in the 64th minute, thanks to a goal from Congolese forward Ben Malango. However, The Red Knights quickly responded, scoring their third goal in the 69th minute through Ismail Mohammed, who later added a fourth in the 82nd minute. Abdullah Al Ahrak contributed a fifth goal in the 84th minute and Olunga capped off the scoring with a sixth goal in 90+6 minute.

In another match, Al Ahli fought back to secure an exhilarating 2-2 draw against Al Wakrah. The first half concluded with Al Wakrah leading, courtesy of a goal from Jacinto Dala. In the second half, Al Ahli equalized in the 75th minute through Erik Exposito’s header. Ayoub Assal then restored Al Wakrah’s advantage with a second goal in the 77th minute, but Oumar Sekou salvaged a point for Al Ahli by scoring the equalizer in the 86th minute.

The last match between Al Shahania and Al Arabi ended in a goalless draw as both sides sought to gain the upper hand, yet failed to convert their opportunities to goals. Tunisian player Msakni missed a penalty for Al Arabi as Al Shahania goalkeeper Bautista Burki made an impressive save, resulting in a scoreless stalemate.