Watch: Ferjani Sassi scores as Al Gharafa fight back to defeat Al Rayyan 3–2 in Doha Stars League thriller

Qatar’s Doha Bank Stars League delivered a dramatic encounter as Al Gharafa secured a thrilling 3–2 victory over Al Rayyan at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium, in Round 17 of the 2025–2026 season.

Al Rayyan struck early through Rodrigo Moreno in the 4th minute. However, Al Gharafa came out in the second half pushing for an equalizer.

Their efforts were successful in the 57th minute when Álvaro Djaló burst down the right flank and delivered a cross that deflected off a defender, falling to the Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi, who slotted home to level the score.

Just four minutes later, Amr Siraj completed the turnaround in the 61st minute, giving Al Gharafa the lead. The hosts continued to press and extended their advantage in the 84th minute through Joselu, seemingly putting the game beyond doubt.

Al Rayyan responded deep into stoppage time, as Roger Guedes pulled one back in the 90+1 minute, but it proved too late to deny a crucial three points for their opponents.

The win lifted Al Gharafa to 34 points, temporarily placing them second in the standings, pending the result of the upcoming clash between Al Shamal and Qatar SC. More importantly, the victory marked a strong comeback from Al Gharafa after suffering three consecutive defeats against Al Sailiya (0–1), Al Sadd (1–3), and Al Shamal (0–1).

Meanwhile, Al Rayyan remain on 28 points in fourth place.

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