Doha: August 09 Al Khor and Al Gharafa played to a 0-0 draw in the opening round of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.
Al Gharafa applied pressure early on, seeking their first win, and nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Saif El-Din Hassan delivered a cross to Ahmed Alaa, who narrowly missed the target. Meanwhile, Al Khor focused on defensive organization and counterattacks, with Iraqi forward Ayman Hussein almost surprising the goalkeeper with a header that sailed over the crossbar in the 11th minute.
The offensive momentum continued for Al Gharafa, with Spanish striker Joselu sending a cross to Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi, whose shot from inside the box struck the crossbar in the 45th minute. The first half concluded with a goalless draw.
Al Gharafa maintained their dominance in the second half, with Romanian player Coman coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute, as his powerful free-kick from outside the area rattled the crossbar.
Al Khor, however, posed a threat with their counterattacks. Ayman Hussein came close again in the 73rd minute, heading a precise cross from Ivorian Yohan Boli onto the post. Hussein had another opportunity just two minutes later, as he penetrated the penalty area and fired a shot that narrowly missed the post.
The final minutes of the match saw no significant chances, and the referees whistle confirmed a goalless draw, with both teams earning their first point of the competition.
Source: Qatar News Agency