Umm Salal claimed a hard-fought 2-1 success against Al Duhail in Week 15 of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League, with the contest played at Al Khor Stadium on Wednesday.
Umm Salal claimed a hard-fought 2-1 success against Al Duhail in Week 15 of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League, with the contest played at Al Khor Stadium on Wednesday.
The encounter was shaped by discipline issues for Al Duhail, who finished with nine men after two dismissals and also survived a first-half penalty thanks to their goalkeeper.
Despite sustained pressure and chaotic moments, Umm Salal showed composure at decisive stages to secure a valuable three points.
Problems arrived quickly for Al Duhail when Luiz Martin was sent off in the sixth minute following a VAR review, leaving his side reduced to ten players almost immediately.
Umm Salal were then handed a golden chance to take control when they were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute. Before the kick was taken, goalkeeper Salah Zakaria was booked.
Zakaria, however, redeemed himself by guessing correctly and denying Oussama Tannane, diving low to his left to keep the scores level.
Al Duhail’s situation worsened further in the 37th minute as Benjamin Bourigeaud collected a second yellow card, resulting in another dismissal and leaving the visitors severely undermanned.
Umm Salal finally broke through deep into first-half stoppage time, when Antonio Mance redirected a cross from Cristo Perez into the net to give his team the lead.
Al Duhail responded soon after the restart, equalising in the 51st minute as Bassam Al Rawi bent a free kick into the left side of the goal.
The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute, when Naim Laidouni rose to meet a corner. His header bounced off the turf and crossed the line, restoring Umm Salal’s advantage.
That goal proved enough, lifting Umm Salal to 12 points for the season, while Al Duhail stayed on 20 despite a resilient effort under difficult circumstances.
