Youcef Atal scores, named MOTM as Al Sadd win again in QSL

Algeria national team right back Youcef Atal helped Qatari champions Al Sadd earn consecutive victories with an early goal in a 2-0 victory over Al Gharafa on Thursday.

📽️ شاهد | هدف #السد الأول عن طريق اللاعب يوسف عطال#السد_الغرافة | #دوري_نجوم_بنك_الدوحة pic.twitter.com/PkyOezfyvA

— مؤسسة دوري نجوم قطر 🇶🇦 (@QSL) August 28, 2025

The former OGC Nice defender produced an accurate low finish inside five minutes to put the champions on track, his third goal for the club since joining last season. Atal went on to be named Man of the Match for his performance.

2️⃣0️⃣ الأفضـــل في الـمـبـاراة 👑 #السد_الغرافة#دوري_نجوم_بنك_الدوحة pic.twitter.com/9Cej3JCdCU

— 🏆 #81 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) August 28, 2025

After suffering a shock defeat in their league opener to Qatar SC, Al Sadd now have back-to-back victories and avenged their exit at the hands of Gharafa in last season’s Emir Cup.

Former Liverpool and Al Ahli Saudi star Roberto Firmino finished off Gharafa with his goal early in the second half, his first in Qatari football since joining Al Sadd.

Atal figures to be a key member of the Al Sadd defense in a busy opening stage of the season. Al Sadd will face Al Gharafa again on Monday in the QSL Cup while the AFC Champions League begins its league phase on September 15 with Al Sadd facing Iraqi champions Al Shorta in Baghdad.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.