In a gripping encounter at the Stad al-Bahrayn al-Watani, Al Ahli Doha edged out Khalidiya with a 2-1 victory in the AFC Cup group stage clash on October 29, 2025. Both teams entered the match facing woes in recent form, but it was the visitors who triumphed, leaving Khalidiya with questions to answer as they navigate a difficult campaign.
With a previous meeting between these two sides ending in a goalless draw, anticipation was high for a more dynamic performance. Khalidiya was looking to build on their recent Premier League success, a dominant 4-0 victory against Bahrain SC just weeks prior, while Al Ahli Doha sought any semblance of consistency amidst a string of disappointing results, including a heavy 1-6 loss to Qatar SC.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses. For Al Ahli Doha, it was crucial to solidify their defensive shape, a task that had eluded them in earlier fixtures. Meanwhile, Khalidiya aimed to exploit any gaps in Al Ahli's backline and capitalize on their recent scoring form. Yet, as the match progressed, it became evident that both sides struggled to translate possession into meaningful chances.
The first breakthrough came in the 65th minute when an unidentified player from Al Ahli Doha found the back of the net, sending shockwaves through the stadium. The goal shifted the momentum, leaving Khalidiya to regroup and react. Just nine minutes later, Khalidiya drew level with an equalizer of their own, marking a moment of relief for their loyal supporters. It appeared they had seized the moment and regained control of the match.
However, the drama was far from over. As the clock ticked toward the end of regulation, Al Ahli Doha struck again in the 90th minute, snatching the lead back in the dying moments of the match. This last-minute goal sealed Khalidiya's fate, intensifying the disappointment for a squad that had hoped to build momentum with a win.
The outcome leaves Khalidiya in a precarious position within the group standings, having now struggled to find a win in their last two outings. Their previous match against Andijan also ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw, emphasizing their ongoing struggles to convert chances into goals. With upcoming fixtures, including a challenge against Andijan once more on November 5, Khalidiya must regroup and rediscover their attacking prowess to remain competitive in the tournament.
On the other hand, Al Ahli Doha can take solace in this hard-fought victory, which offers a glimmer of hope after several disappointing performances. With only one win in their last ten matches prior to this game, the victory not only boosts their morale but may also stabilize their position in the group standings. As they prepare to face Arkadag in their next match, Al Ahli must build on this momentum in hopes of turning their season around.
Reflecting on my earlier predictions, it seems I tentatively anticipated a tightly contested match with neither team finding their rhythm. I had hoped for a breakthrough in Khalidiya's offensive struggles and an opportunity for Al Ahli to tighten their defense. In a delightful twist of fate, Al Ahli Doha did indeed seize the moment and scored two vital goals while Khalidiya still grappled with inconsistency.
Both teams now look ahead with different objectives. Khalidiya needs to address their scoring issues, while Al Ahli Doha will aim to solidify their newfound confidence as they navigate a crucial stretch in the AFC Cup. As the group stage unfolds, this match represents a pivotal moment for both squads, and the journey continues on November 5, where every point will count for their aspirations in the tournament.