Al Arabi were held to a 2-2 draw by Al Shamal in Week 1 of 2026-2027 season Doha Bank Stars League campaign at the Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.

Al Arabi’s Youssef Snana thought he had broken the deadlock in the 22nd minute, but the Tunisian international’s effort was ruled out for offside as the two sides went into the break goalless.

Al Arabi eventually took the lead in the 59th minute when Pablo Sarabia produced a fine header from Rodri Sanchez’s precise delivery.

Their advantage lasted just five minutes, however, as Alexis Perez inadvertently turned Alex Collado’s cross into his own net while attempting to clear, handing Al Shamal the equaliser.

Al Shamal then completed the turnaround in the 67th minute, with Baghdad Bounedjah finding the net to put his side 2-1 ahead.

Al Arabi refused to give up and were rewarded four minutes from the end of regulation time when Oussama Tannane struck a spectacular effort from the left side of the final third to restore parity.

Neither side could find a decisive goal in the closing stages, with the entertaining contest ending 2-2 and the points shared.