Afif Shines as Al Sadd Defeats Al Rayyan in Qatar Clasico

In a thrilling encounter that showcased the intensity of Qatari football, Al Sadd triumphed over Al Rayyan with a score of 2-1 in the much-anticipated Qatar Clasico. This match, held at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, was not just a battle for points but also a celebration of talent, particularly highlighting the skills of Akram Afif, who was recently named the Asian Player of the Year.

The game began with Al Rayyan taking control, demonstrating their attacking prowess. They created several opportunities, keeping Al Sadd's goalkeeper, Meshaal Barsham, on high alert. Despite their efforts, it was Al Sadd who would eventually turn the tide. After a tense first half, Al Rayyan's Mahmoud Ahmed Hassan, known as Trezeguet, broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, sending their fans into a frenzy.

However, Al Sadd responded swiftly. Just two minutes later, Afif, who had been introduced as a substitute, assisted Mohammed Waad, leveling the score and reigniting Al Sadd's hopes. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans cheered for their team, eager for a comeback.

As the match approached its final moments, Afif proved to be the hero. In the 89th minute, he scored a stunning goal that was initially ruled offside but later confirmed by VAR, sealing the victory for Al Sadd. After the match, Afif expressed his joy, stating, "It was a tough game and I am happy with the win. Both teams were cautious in the first half, and we managed to level quickly before scoring the winner." His performance not only secured the three points for Al Sadd but also solidified his status as a key player in the league.

This victory brought Al Sadd's points tally to 18, placing them just one point behind league leaders Al Duhail. Meanwhile, Al Rayyan, despite their strong performance, remained in eighth place with 10 points, reflecting on missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the match.

In other matches, Al Gharafa defeated Al Arabi 3-1, while Qatar SC edged past Al Khor with a 2-1 victory. These results highlight the competitive nature of the Ooredoo Stars League, where every match can shift the standings dramatically.

As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters like the Qatar Clasico. The passion and skill displayed by players like Afif remind us why football is not just a game but a source of excitement and unity for fans across the region. With each match, the stakes get higher, and the anticipation builds, making every moment on the pitch a potential turning point in the league.