22 December 2025 at 18:15
Match Summary
Al-Gharafa defeated Al Wahda FC 1:0. The match was played in AFC Champions League Elite 2025. Goals were scored by S. Sano 87′. 5 yellow cards were shown, 2 red cards. Al-Gharafa had 41% possession while Al Wahda FC held 59%. Al-Gharafa had 18 shots (2 on target) compared to 8 (1 on target) for Al Wahda FC. Al-Gharafa made 4 substitutions, Al Wahda FC made 4. VAR was involved: Card upgrade (Seydou Sano 50′).
Match Events
Key match events between Al-Gharafa and Al Wahda FC — 1 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: A. Gunnarsson
Match Statistics
Al-Gharafa had 41% possession against Al Wahda FC's 59%. Al-Gharafa registered 18 shots (2 on target) while Al Wahda FC managed 8 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 7–5. Fouls committed: 11–11.
Lineups
Al-Gharafa lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Pedro Martins, while Al Wahda FC deployed a 4-4-2 under Dimas.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Al-Gharafa is 6.64, compared to 6.87 for Al Wahda FC. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Al-Gharafa's highest-rated starter is Y. Brahimi (7.26), while Al Wahda FC's best-rated player is D. Tadic (7.24).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Al-Gharafa have contributed 2 goals and 5 assists this season, led by S. Sano (1G). Al Wahda FC's starters account for 8 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by Caio Canedo (3G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Al-Gharafa deploy 3 defenders rated 6.54 on average, against Al Wahda FC's 3-man backline averaging 6.91. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Al-Gharafa field 7 midfielders averaging 6.74, versus Al Wahda FC's 5 rated 6.88. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Al-Gharafa start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.49, compared to 2 for Al Wahda FC averaging 7.04. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 80% for Al-Gharafa and 81% for Al Wahda FC. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Al-Gharafa's starters have collected 10 yellow cards this season, compared to 14 for Al Wahda FC. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Al-Gharafa's starting XI is 27.9 (youngest: S. Sano (21), oldest: D. Traore (39)), while Al Wahda FC average 27.2 (youngest: Guga (22), oldest: D. Tadic (37)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Al-Gharafa's starters average 7 league appearances each, versus 7 for Al Wahda FC. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Pedro Martins
Substitutes
Coach: Dimas
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Al-Gharafa have recorded 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 defeats. Al Wahda FC show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Al-Gharafa
Al Wahda FC
API data: 20 Apr 2026