Al Ahli were defeated 1-3 by Al Gharafa in Week 8 of the 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.

Al Ahli were defeated 1-3 by Al Gharafa in Week 8 of the 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from Ferjani Sassi (47th minute), Seydou Sano (62nd minute) and an own goal by Amin Tihi (90th minute) helped Al Gharafa to victory, while Al Ahli's lone goal was scored from the penalty spot by Julian Draxler in the 59th minute.

After an exciting but goalless first half, Sassi opened the scoring for Al Gharafa two minutes into the second half with a beautiful header from the centre of the box following a corner.

The goal seemed to spur the hosts into action and they responded 12 minutes later from the spot through Draxler following a foul on Michel Vlap by Sassi in the penalty area.

The Cheetahs restored their lead through Sano three minutes later, who nodded home from an unmarked position following a corner kick by Yacine Brahimi.

Al Ahli’s woes were further compounded at the stroke of regulation time when Tihi unwittingly turned the ball into his own net from a blocked shot to ensure a convincing win for Al Gharafa, who now advanced to 16 points.

.

View Match Report