Doha: Al Duhail and Al Shahania shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday in the opening round of the Doha Bank Stars League.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Shahania took the lead through Dutch forward Pelle van Amersfoort in the 24th minute, while Al Duhail equalized via Karim Boudiaf in the 52nd minute.

Al Duhail dominated possession early, controlling the midfield and the tempo of the game, yet struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Shahania defense that expertly closed the channels to its goal.

The first significant threat from Al Duhail came in the 13th minute when French midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud fired from the edge of the box, only to see his effort saved by the goalkeeper.

Al Shahania counted significantly on swift counterattacks, and their plan paid off when Moamen Mutasem capitalized on a defensive lapse by Ibrahim Bamba, delivering the ball to van Amersfoort, who slotted it into the net in the 24th minute.

Al Duhail responded by pressing for an equalizer. Ibrahim Bamba thought he had scored after following up a rebound from the goalkeeper, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside in the 36th minute.

Algerian forward Adel Boulbina came close to leveling the score before halftime, receiving a pass from Italian playmaker Marco Verratti, but rushed his shot over the bar as Shahania held a 1-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, Al Duhail intensified their pressure. Substitute Karim Boudiaf connected with a cross from Bourigeaud and headed home the equalizer in the 52nd minute.

Boulbina nearly put Al Duhail ahead with a powerful effort that narrowly missed the post in the 66th minute.

Shahania defended resolutely to maintain the draw, increasing numbers at the back, while Al Duhail searched for tactical solutions to find a second goal.

Despite their efforts, the match ended 1-1, reflecting Al Shahania's defensive discipline and Al Duhail's inability to convert possession into decisive opportunities.