Al-Shamal 2-3 Qatar SC: Late Winner Settles Five-Goal Qatar Stars League Thriller

Qatar Sports Club claimed a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Al-Shamal Sports Club in the Qatar Stars League on Friday, 23 October 2026, producing a match that swung repeatedly before being decided late at Al-Shamal Stadium. The visitors twice had to respond to setbacks before finding the winning goal in the closing stages of a contest that offered both teams clear chances.

The result gives Qatar SC an important three points in the Qatar Stars League standings, while Al-Shamal Sports Club are left to reflect on a strong attacking display that was undermined by defensive lapses at key moments.

Match overview

Al-Shamal started with real intent, pressing high and forcing Qatar SC into a series of early clearances. The home side’s breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Youssef Al-Mansouri collected the ball on the left side of the penalty area and guided a low finish beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Qatar SC gradually settled into the game and began to find space between Al-Shamal’s midfield and defensive lines. The equaliser came in the 34th minute through Nasser Al-Kubaisi, whose curling effort from the edge of the box found the far corner. That goal changed the mood of the match, and Qatar SC finished the first half with greater control of possession.

The visitors took the lead seven minutes after the restart. Santiago Rojas timed his run into the box perfectly and converted a cut-back from the right flank, putting Qatar SC 2-1 ahead. Al-Shamal responded with renewed urgency, and their pressure paid off in the 71st minute when Rashid Al-Naimi rose highest to head home a corner and level the score at 2-2.

With the match seemingly heading toward a draw, Qatar SC found one final moment of quality. In the 84th minute, Hamad Al-Obaidi received the ball just outside the area, shifted it onto his stronger foot and struck a decisive low shot past the goalkeeper. Al-Shamal pushed forward in the final minutes, but Qatar SC goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Bakr produced a late save to protect the win.

Key moments

• 18’ – Al-Shamal 1-0: Youssef Al-Mansouri finishes calmly after a quick move down the left.
• 34’ – Al-Shamal 1-1: Nasser Al-Kubaisi curls a well-placed effort into the far corner for Qatar SC.
• 52’ – Al-Shamal 1-2: Santiago Rojas converts from close range after a dangerous cut-back.
• 71’ – Al-Shamal 2-2: Rashid Al-Naimi heads in a corner to bring the home side level.
• 84’ – Al-Shamal 2-3: Hamad Al-Obaidi scores the winner with a low strike from outside the box.
• 88’ – Late save: Ahmed Al-Bakr denies Al-Shamal an equaliser with a strong stop.

Tactical story

Al-Shamal set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and looked to press Qatar SC high up the pitch, especially in the opening 20 minutes. Their wide players stayed aggressive, and the early goal rewarded that approach. However, the high line also left space behind the defence, which Qatar SC began to exploit as the first half progressed.

Qatar SC’s 4-3-3 formation gave them a useful midfield triangle, allowing them to recycle possession and release quick counter-attacks. Santiago Rojas was particularly effective when dropping into pockets of space, while the wide forwards stretched Al-Shamal’s back four. The visitors’ second goal came directly from that pattern: a fast transition, a low cross and a composed finish.

Al-Shamal’s response was strong, and their set-piece threat kept them in the match. The equaliser from a corner underlined their aerial quality, but Qatar SC’s ability to produce one more moment of composure in the final third proved the difference.

Standout performers

Santiago Rojas was central to Qatar SC’s attacking play, combining movement, link-up play and a crucial goal. Hamad Al-Obaidi’s winning strike was the highlight of the night, while Nasser Al-Kubaisi’s equaliser gave the visitors the platform to grow into the match. Goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Bakr also deserves credit for the late save that secured the three points.

For Al-Shamal, Youssef Al-Mansouri was a constant threat in the attacking third and opened the scoring with a composed finish. Rashid Al-Naimi’s header kept the home side alive, but the defensive unit will review the spaces conceded during Qatar SC’s counter-attacks.

Qatar Stars League impact

The victory strengthens Qatar SC’s position in the middle of the Qatar Stars League table and gives them valuable momentum in what is already shaping up to be a tightly contested season. Away wins of this kind can prove significant when the standings are decided later in the campaign.

Al-Shamal, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their attacking ou