Al Shamal Defeat Al Gharafa 1–0 in QSL Cup Round 4

Al Shamal recorded a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Al Gharafa in their Round 4 clash of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) Cup on Monday at Al Khor Stadium. The close contest saw both sides battling intensely for possession, but it was Al Shamal who made the crucial breakthrough to seal the win and collect all three points.

The match’s only goal came from Algerian forward Abdessamed Bounacer, whose precise finish in the second half ensured Al Shamal’s triumph. His goal proved decisive as Al Gharafa struggled to find an equalizer despite several attempts. The team’s strong defensive organization and teamwork helped them hold on to the lead until the final whistle.

Bounacer’s performance once again highlighted his growing importance to Al Shamal’s attacking line. His goal not only secured the win but also boosted team morale after a series of closely contested matches in previous rounds.

With this victory, Al Shamal climbed to 8 points, placing them eighth in the current standings. The win was crucial for the team’s campaign, as it keeps them within reach of the top positions needed to qualify for the later stages of the tournament.

In contrast, Al Gharafa’s struggles continued as they remained with just one point from four matches. Their lack of goals and defensive errors have left them in 19th place, facing a challenging path ahead if they hope to progress in the QSL Cup.

Earlier at the same venue, Al Waab delivered an impressive 3–0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat. The match showcased Al Waab’s attacking strength and tactical discipline, as they controlled the game from the start.

Goals for Al Waab came from Bahaa Saif, Abdulrahman Khan, and Diogo Filipe, each contributing to a well-rounded performance. The team’s attacking coordination and quick passing left Al Kharaitiyat struggling to contain their rhythm throughout the match.

With this result, Al Waab moved up to 9 points, now occupying fifth place in the standings. Meanwhile, Al Kharaitiyat, despite their loss, remain at 10 points and sit in third place due to earlier wins in the competition.

The QSL Cup 2025 features 20 teams drawn from both the first and second divisions of Qatar football. The competition is structured in a single-round league format, where each team plays 10 matches over a 10-week period.

After the league phase concludes, the top two teams automatically qualify for the quarterfinals. Teams placed third through fourteenth enter a knockout stage, where six matches will determine the remaining six spots in the quarterfinals.

This structure ensures a fair and competitive pathway, giving clubs from various levels the chance to compete on equal terms and showcase emerging talent.

Following their victory, Al Shamal will look to continue their momentum in upcoming matches as they aim for a place in the top tier of the standings. The team’s recent improvement in form and coordination suggests a growing confidence within the squad.

For Al Gharafa, the focus will be on recovery and strategy adjustment. Their coaching staff will likely reassess the team’s approach, especially in midfield control and finishing. The next few rounds will be crucial if they hope to turn their campaign around.

Meanwhile, Al Waab’s strong showing adds to the excitement of the tournament, proving that consistent performances can rapidly shift standings in the QSL Cup.