Ayo Victor
DOHA: Al Duhail and Al Arabi settled for a 1-1 draw in their Week 2 clash of the 2026-2027 Doha Bank Stars League at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
The opening half ended goalless, with both sides failing to capitalise on promising opportunities as solid defending and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level.
Al Duhail broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Lucas Silva Melo rose highest to head home Edmílson Junior’s well-delivered corner, directing his effort from the centre of the box into the top right corner.
The goal sparked Al Arabi into action as they intensified their search for an equaliser. Their efforts paid off in the 70th minute when Michael Olunga poked home from close range after a rebound from a free kick by substitute Oussama Tannane, who made an immediate impact after coming on.
Al Duhail had a final opportunity to snatch victory, but Ibrahima Bamba headed Edmílson’s corner over the bar and wide as Al Arabi held on for a share of the points.
Meanwhile, Al Shahania secured their first victory of the season after edging Al Sailiya 3-2 in the concluding Week 2 match at Lusail Stadium on Saturday.
The win lifted Al Shahania to four points and fifth place in the standings, while Al Sailiya remained bottom after suffering their second successive defeat.
Al Shahania took an early lead in the sixth minute when Andreas Van Beek headed in Francesco Antonucci’s superb corner kick.
The lead was doubled in the 23rd minute as Antonucci converted from the penalty spot after Al Sailiya’s Abdelaziz Mitwali brought down Mohamed Surag inside the box.
Al Sailiya pulled one back in the 51st minute through Kellian Albertus, who reacted quickest in a goal-mouth scramble following a Younes Belhanda free kick.
However, Al Shahania restored their two-goal advantage six minutes later when Abdoulaye Traore completed a long run by firing home a through ball.
Al Sailiya continued to fight and substitute Salem Al Sufiani reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time, heading home in the 95th minute, but Al Shahania held firm to seal a thrilling victory.