Al-Shamal claimed a 3-1 victory over Al-Gharafa in the Star League's second round of the regular season on Thursday. The result moves the visitors into third place on four points while Al-Gharafa remain sixth with three after two matches. Goals from F. Diaz, O. Mohamed and B. Bounedjah secured a result that felt tighter than the scoreline suggested.
Al-Gharafa started brighter and dominated possession at 52 per cent, but their chances went begging. They registered seven shots on target against seven for the visitors, yet only converted one. By then Diaz had given Al-Gharafa the lead in the 52nd minute, a moment that set up an entertaining second half more than anything else.
Al-Shamal responded with composure. Mohamed doubled the advantage just four minutes later, and the visitors were left exposed on defence after that. Al-Gharafa pushed forward with urgency, making several changes — A. Hassan, W. Said and R. Al Ali came off — but could not find a way past the visitors' back line. And here's the thing: they created two big chances while their opponents managed three, yet the difference in clinical finishing proved decisive.
The final quarter brought drama. Asad pulled one back for the hosts in stoppage time, but Bounedjah closed the game out moments later. Al-Shamal's goalkeeper made five saves to Al-Gharafa's four, and the visitors were stronger in the air despite losing the same number of aerial duels. To be fair, both sides pressed with similar intensity, but the visitors showed better composure in the final third.
Statistically, the match told a familiar story. Al-Gharafa completed 406 passes to Al-Shamal's 371, with both teams attempting around 90 attacks. The visitors registered more shots within the penalty area — 12 compared to seven — and this concentration of effort in dangerous areas paid off. Al-Gharafa's 17 fouls against 13 for the visitors reflected their frustration as the game progressed.
Yellow cards were scattered throughout. Al-Gharafa received a single booking from Collado, while Al-Shamal picked up five — Hassan, Al Saeed, Coman, Mohamed and Awad all saw the referee's arm raised. The discipline issue did not derail either side, but it added to the physical nature of the contest.
The result leaves Al-Shamal unbeaten after two rounds, while Al-Gharafa have now suffered their first defeat of the campaign. Both teams remain within touching distance of each other in the table, and this encounter suggests the title race could be competitive. The visitors will carry confidence into their next fixture, while the hosts must regroup quickly.