Algeria winger Adam Ounas rediscovers his spark at Al-Gharafa despite Esteghlal defeat

Adam Ounas is showing signs of returning to his best form at Al-Gharafa, with the Algeria international gradually rebuilding his match fitness and confidence despite his side’s 2-1 defeat to Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League.

The 29-year-old winger did not score or provide an assist in the continental encounter, but his performance offered further evidence of his growing influence since joining the Qatari club in early September.

Ounas brought back the directness, dribbling ability and acceleration that have long defined his game, repeatedly attempting to beat defenders and create opportunities from the right flank.

Although Al-Gharafa could not avoid defeat, the Algerian’s display provided encouragement as he continues to establish himself alongside compatriot Yacine Brahimi.

Ounas rediscovers attacking touch

Ounas has already delivered encouraging signs of a resurgence in recent weeks, producing decisive contributions in domestic competition.

He scored in Al-Gharafa’s 4-2 victory over Al Mesaimeer in the QSL Cup before setting up Ferjani Sassi in a subsequent match against Al-Wakrah.

Those contributions have offered a glimpse of the attacking threat he can provide when operating with confidence and freedom.

Against Esteghlal, however, his influence was more evident in his individual play than in the final outcome. The winger repeatedly looked to take on his marker, using changes of pace and close control to create space in the attacking third.

He remained available to receive possession and attempted to drive Al-Gharafa forward whenever opportunities emerged.

Ounas also tested the Iranian side’s goalkeeper with a shot on target late in the first half, underlining his willingness to take responsibility in the final third even when a clear opening was difficult to find.

While he could not add to his recent goal contributions, his performance suggested that his sharpness and confidence are returning.

Al-Gharafa suffer frustrating defeat

Despite Ounas’ encouraging display, Al-Gharafa were unable to secure a positive result in the AFC Champions League encounter.

The Qatari side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Esteghlal, with Ferjani Sassi briefly restoring parity shortly after half-time.

Sassi’s equaliser offered Al-Gharafa an opportunity to build momentum, but they ultimately failed to prevent their opponents from claiming victory.

For Ounas, the result was a disappointing end to a performance that featured several reminders of his technical quality.

His ability to beat defenders and carry the ball into dangerous areas remains an important asset for Al-Gharafa, particularly as the team looks to improve its attacking output in continental competition.

The challenge now is to turn those promising individual displays into consistent contributions that can influence results.

Algeria international seeks consistency

Ounas has long been recognised for his ability to produce moments of brilliance, although maintaining that level across successive performances has sometimes proved difficult.

The former Napoli and Lille winger has represented 10 professional clubs during his career and earned 27 caps for Algeria.

At 29, he is now seeking greater consistency as he settles into his latest challenge in Qatar.

His recent performances suggest that the move to Al-Gharafa could provide an opportunity to rebuild his momentum, particularly with the experience of fellow Algerian international Brahimi alongside him.

The combination of Ounas’ dribbling and direct running with Brahimi’s creativity could give Al-Gharafa additional options in the attacking third as the season progresses.

However, sustaining his current progress will be crucial if he is to become a regular difference-maker for the club.

Although the defeat to Esteghlal prevented Al-Gharafa from celebrating a positive result, Ounas can take encouragement from his individual performance.

His recent goal and assist, coupled with the flashes of quality he displayed in continental action, indicate that he is gradually regaining his rhythm.