DOHA : Al Shahaniya SC take on Qatar SC in the opening match of the 16th round of the Doha Bank Stars League for the 2025-26 season on Friday at Al Khor Stadium, with Abdulmajid Ahmed appointed as referee.
The two teams head into the clash with contrasting objectives. Al Shahaniya are fighting to preserve their top-flight status as they face the threat of relegation, while Qatar SC aim to re-enter the top four after slipping to mid-table despite leading the standings earlier in the campaign.
Al Shahaniya are bottom of the table in 12th place with 11 points, one point behind 11th-placed Umm Salal, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot. The side finishing 11th must face the second division runners-up in a playoff to retain their place in the Stars League. Al Shahaniya are also three points behind 10th-placed Al Ahli, the last team outside the relegation zone.
Qatar SC sit seventh with 21 points, four points adrift of Al Rayyan, who hold the fourth and final top-four position.
