Late Doha Drama: Gharafa Stuns Qatar 2-1 as North-AL Wakrah Split Points in a 2-2 Thriller
7 November 2025
Gharafa Comeback Seals 2-1 Victory Over Qatar
Al-Gharafa overturned a first-half deficit to beat visiting Qatar 2-1, playing the entire second half with ten men after a red card in the 38th minute, at the Second Bin Jassim Stadium on Friday night, the opening clash of round seven in the Doha Bank Qatar Stars League.
Gharafa’s goals came from Yassine Ibrahimi in the 60th minute, converting a penalty, and Sidou Sano in the 90th minute, while Qatar’s reply was a superb back-heel finished by Joao Pedro in the 41st minute to take a surprising lead.
With the win, Gharafa sit atop the league table on 22 points, while Qatar remain on 17 points.
Earlier in the day, Al Shamal and Al Wakrah shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, each earning a point. The North keep their pace with 18 points, and Wakrah rise to 15.
North and Al Wakrah Deliver a 2-2 Thriller
North struck first, with Baghdad Boungagh finding the net in the 45+1 minute after a swift counter from the right, giving the home side a slender half-time lead.
Al Wakrah hit back decisively in the second half, leveling through Amin Zahzouz in the 51st minute from a penalty and Ayoub Assal adding a second three minutes later with a smart finish from outside the box.
North pushed for a late winner, but Mohammad Omar netted a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time, steering a shot from the edge of the area past the keeper to salvage a point for the hosts.
The match was officiated by Abdulrahman Al-Jassim with a quartet of assistants and video assistant support noted in match reports as part of the day’s officiating crew.
Looking Ahead: Weekend Fixtures
Tomorrow’s schedule features Um Salal vs. Al Sadd at Al Khor Stadium and Duhail vs. Al Sailiya at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. On Sunday, Shahania hosts Al Rayyan at Al Khor, and Al Arabi faces Al Ahli at Thumama Stadium as the seventh round unfolds and the title race tightens.
Current standings preview: Gharafa lead on 22 points, Al Shamal 18, Qatar 17, Wakrah 15, with several mid-table teams keen to climb in the coming rounds.
Punchline time: If football were a bank, Gharafa just cashed in with interest. And if defense had a social life, North’s would be a group chat about “network issues” every time the opponent pressed. Final thought: in Doha, even a late goal can arrive with the flair of a plot twist in a soap opera—except this one came with a whistle and a stadium full of fans laughing and groaning in equal measure.
