Al Gharafa’s Joselu (centre) celebrates with teammates.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd began their quest for a record-extending 20th Amir Cup crown with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Al Markhiya in a Round of 16 clash at Grand Hamad Stadium yesterday.
After a goalless first half, Rafa Mujica broke the deadlock in the 75th minute from a penalty and then added a second goal, brilliantly assisted by Akram Afif. Mohamedou Naby Sarr scored Al Markhiya’s only goal in stoppage time, while the excitement reached its peak when a dangerous shot from Al Markhiya struck the post. Al Sadd will face Al Shamal in the quarter-finals.
Defender Ahmed Suhail said: “It was a tough match and we were aware Al Markhiya would put up a strong challenge. We must focus on the upcoming matches, and our ambition is always to compete for every title, especially the most prestigious one.”
At Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan set up a quarter-final clash with Al Wakrah after beating Al Khor 2-0.
Aleksandar Mitrovic gave them an early lead in the 12th minute, and Roger Guedes doubled it in the 43rd. The match also saw Al Khor’s Ambrose Uchebo sent off in the 53rd minute after receiving two yellow cards, one in each half.
Earlier, defending champions Al Gharafa reached the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Al Kharaitiyat at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Dame Traore opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after converting a free kick delivered by Algerian Yacine Brahimi, while Spaniard Joselu added a second from a VAR-awarded penalty in the 33rd minute. Al Gharafa will face the winner of today’s match between Umm Salal and Al Ahli.
From the start, Al Gharafa imposed clear control, creating chances and capitalising on a free kick and a penalty to secure a comfortable win.
“Winning against Al Kharaitiyat was crucial for us, especially to secure our place in the quarter-finals of this prestigious tournament, which we currently hold the title for,” said Al Gharafa’s Ayoub Al-Alawi.
“We aim to carry this momentum into the next stage and get the team back on track in the remaining competitions of the season.”
