Al Sadd and Al Gharafa will face off in a tough and crucial match of Week 3 of the 2025-26 Doha Bank Stars League at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The kick-off is at 8.30pm.

It’s a top-of-the-range battle between two ambitious teams and is expected to be highly exciting as both sides seek to win and secure the three valuable points.

Al Sadd enter the match in fifth place in the rankings with 3 points gained from two matches, after losing to Qatar SC (2-3) in their first round, followed by a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in the second round.

Al Gharafa, on the other hand, are in second place in the standings with 6 points, tied on goal difference with leaders Al Shamal, and on same number points as Qatar SC.

Al Gharafa won their first two matches, beating Umm Salal 4-2, and Al Arabi 2-1 respectively.

Both Al Sadd and Al Gharafa boast a number of distinguished players capable of putting on a strong show. Al Sadd are counting on their attacking strength with Spaniard Rafael Mujica, Akram Afif, Giovani Henrique, Hassan Al Haydos, and others.

Al Sadd will be without their Brazilian star Claudinho because of an injury he has suffered and which will keep him out of action for 8 to 12 weeks.

Al Gharafa, on the other hand, will also be relying on their distinguished players, most notably Yacine Brahimi, Ferjani Sassi, Joselu, and others.

The match will feature high-level tactical interaction between the two teams' coaches: Felix Sanchez, Al Sadd's Spanish coach, and Pedro Martins, Al Gharafa's Portuguese coach. Both coaches are adept at handling the resources and personnel at their disposal.