DOHA, Qatar (Interstat) — Qatar SC began its Stars League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Al Gharafa SC on Thursday at Al Thumama Stadium.

Forward João Pedro led the hosts with a goal and an assist. Defender Mus’ab Battat opened the scoring in the 26th minute, assisted by Pedro, who then scored himself in the 66th minute.

The match was marred by discipline issues, featuring 10 yellow cards. Al Gharafa’s Seydou Sano received a red card in first-half stoppage time. The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat’s simulator, which had favored Al Gharafa. Qatar SC starts the season 1-0, while Al Gharafa opens 0-1.