DOHA, Qatar (Interstat) — Al Ahli opened its Stars League season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Al Duhail on Wednesday at Al Thumama Stadium, defying pregame projections.

The visitors struck first in the 17th minute when midfielder Michel Vlap scored. Vlap doubled Al Duhail’s lead with another goal in the 57th.

Al Ahli mounted its rally late. Substitute Benjamin Bourigeaud cut the deficit with a goal in the 82nd minute, assisted by Mohamed Abdelaziz Mohamed. Bourigeaud then completed the comeback with the equalizer just minutes later, again set up by teammate Suhaib Gannan.

The match featured eight yellow cards. Interstat’s simulator had projected a 2-1 win for Al Duhail, which was given a 61% win probability by its ELO system.