Al Gharafa claim first win in ACL Elite with 2-0 victory over Al Shorta

Al Gharafa secured their first win in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite after defeating Iraq’s Al Shorta 2-0 on Monday evening at Khalifa International Stadium in the second round of the West Zone group stage.

The first half ended goalless, but Al Gharafa broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half (48) through Spanish striker Joselu. The Cheetahs then doubled their lead in the 54th minute with a header from Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi.

With this result, Al Gharafa raised their tally to 3 points, bouncing back from their opening-round away defeat to UAE’s Sharjah (3-4). Meanwhile, Al Shorta remain on 1 point, collected from their home draw against Al Sadd (1-1).