DOHA – Al Shahaniya SC secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Al Ahli SC in the 17th round of the Doha Bank Stars League 2025-2026 season at Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.
The win lifted Al Shahaniya to 14 points, keeping them in 12th and last place but reviving their hopes of avoiding relegation. Al Ahli remain second from bottom in 11th place with 15 points after the defeat.
Ivorian Abdoulaye Traore struck twice early in the second half, scoring in the 46th and 53rd minutes to put Al Shahaniya firmly in control. German forward Julian Draxler pulled one back for Al Ahli in the 81st minute to set up a tense finale.
Both sides ended the match with 10 players. Al Ahli’s Spaniard Eric Exposito was sent off in the 72nd minute, while Al Shahaniya’s Khaled Muftah received a red card deep into stoppage time (90+4).
The result tightens the battle at the bottom of the standings as the league enters its decisive phase.
