Doha: Defending champions Al Sadd began their 2026-2027 Doha Bank Stars League campaign with a 3-1 win over Al Ahli at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday.

According to Qatar News Agency, Akram Afif opened the scoring for Al Sadd in the 11th minute by skillfully flicking in a cross from Pedro Miguel. The early goal set the tone for the match, with Al Sadd asserting control. Al Ahli's goalkeeper, Yazan Naim, managed to keep his team in the game by saving a penalty from Giovani Henrique in the 35th minute. The penalty was awarded after Yusuf Abdurisag was fouled inside the box by Benjamin Bourigeaud.

Claudinho then doubled Al Sadd's lead in the 44th minute, capitalizing on a ricochet off a defender after Abdurisag advanced into the striking area. As the first half drew to a close, Pedro Miguel further extended Al Sadd's lead in added time by heading in a cross from Afif, leaving Al Ahli with a significant deficit to overcome.

In the latter stages of the match, Al Ahli's Erik Exposito managed to score a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 80th minute. The penalty was awarded following a VAR review after Exposito's powerful shot hit Tarek Salman's hand. Despite Al Ahli's efforts, they were unable to break through Al Sadd's defense further, and the match concluded with a 3-1 victory for the reigning champions.