African influence key as Al Sadd secure QSL title

Al Sadd are the 2024/25 Qatar Stars League champions after beating Al Ahli Doha 5-0 as the league wrapped up on Friday. Algerian duo Youcef Atal and Abdessamed Bounacer, Malian midfielder Mohamed Camara and Moroccan international Romain Saiss have all won the QSL with the Doha outfit.

Al Sadd retained their QSL title in style as they became champions for the 18th time. The contribution of the four African players has been key to Al Sadd’s success. All four of them have secured their maiden QSL title.

Al Sadd won the title with 52 points, two points ahead of Al Duhail and Kenyan striker Michael Olunga (12 goals and 2 assists this season).

Shamal SC and Algeria striker Baghdad Bounedjah wrapped up the season with 18 league goals, making him the highest-scoring African in the QSL.

Camara (17 appearances, 1 assist) and Atal (6 appearances, 1 goal and 2 assists) made significant contributions during the title run with many appearances. Moroccan defender Saiss has been injured since February.

Al Sadd will be hoping to add another trophy this season as they set their sights on the AFC Champions League. They will face Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale in the quarterfinal on April 27.