Category: FOOTBALL

Al-Sadd crowned champions of 2026-27 Doha Bank Stars League

Al-Sadd were crowned champions of the 2025–2026 Doha Bank Stars League for the 19th time in the history of the competition, after defeating Al-Shamal 3–2 in the match played on Monday, 27 April 2026, at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al-Sadd Club, in the 22nd and the final round of the season.

The title ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, President of the Qatar Football Association and Qatar Stars League, and Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO of the QSL. Also present were His Excellency Eng. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Vice President of Al-Sadd Club, and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, CEO of Al-Sadd Football Company. ... 

Roberto Mancini: We are playing for the title, we await our fans

Al-Sadd head coach Roberto Mancini spoke about the importance of the upcoming clash against Al-Shamal in Round 22 of the 2025–2026 Doha Bank Stars League.

Mancini said: “Yes, it’s strange. We were five points ahead, and now the gap is down to two. But our focus is on winning. We know it will be a very tough game because Al-Shamal play good football, but our aim is to win this match.” ... 

ACL Elite: Al-Sadd exit after penalty shootout defeat to Vissel Kobe

Al-Sadd were eliminated from the AFC Champions League Elite 2025–2026 after losing to Japan’s Vissel Kobe 5–4 on penalties, following a 3–3 draw after regular and extra time in the quarter-finals.

The match was played on Thursday, 16 April 2026, at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.

Al-Sadd’s goals were scored by Rafa Mujica (6’, 61’) and Roberto Firmino (65’), while Vissel Kobe’s goals came through Yuya Osako (24’), Yosuke Ideguchi (74’), and Yoshinori Muto (90+3’). ... 

Akram Afif: We managed to achieve what we set out for

Al-Sadd star Akram Afif expressed his great happiness following the team’s victory over Saudi side Al-Hilal and qualification to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, confirming that the team delivered an outstanding performance and fully deserved to progress.

Speaking after the match, Afif said: “Alhamdulillah for the victory. We managed to achieve what we set out for.” ... 

Roberto Mancini: We managed to advance after a marathon match full of challenges

Al-Sadd head coach Roberto Mancini praised his team’s performance following their victory over Saudi side Al-Hilal and qualification to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025–2026.

In his post-match remarks, Mancini emphasised that Al-Hilal are among the best teams in Asia, noting that the match was extremely difficult throughout both regular and extra time. ...