Al Sadd's Giovani (left) in action against Al Kharaitiyat's Axel Paul Urie yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Giovani scored twice as defending champions Al Sadd came from behind to defeat Al Kharaitiyat 3-1 and book a place in the Amir Cup quarter-finals at Al Thumama Stadium yesterday.
Felix Sanchez’s side will now face Pedro Martins’ Al Gharafa in what is expected to be a thrilling quarter-final showdown. Al Gharafa sealed their spot earlier in the day with a 2-1 win over Al Khor.
Chasing a record-extending 20th Amir Cup title, Al Sadd were made to work hard against a spirited Al Kharaitiyat side from the Second Division, who impressed in the first half.
Souleymane Anne opened the scoring for Al Kharaitiyat in the 14th minute, slotting in a rebound after Meshaal Barsham failed to deal with David Malembana’s direct free-kick.
Al Sadd hit back 10 minutes later through Giovani, who converted from close range after Akram Afif carved open the defence with a surging run from midfield, weaving past two defenders before delivering the final ball.
With the score level at halftime, Al Sadd stepped up in the second half. Rafa Mujica gave them the lead in the 55th minute with a precise finish from a tight angle.
Just a minute later, Afif turned provider again, setting up Giovani for his second - a powerful left-footed strike from the centre of the box that flew into the top corner to seal the win.
Al Gharafa's Joselu and Ahmed Al Janehi celebrate during match against Al Khor.
Earlier at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Joselu gave Al Gharafa the lead in the 20th minute, finishing off a well-worked move. Rodrigo Moreno, after receiving a long ball from Yacine Brahimi on the left, delivered a precise cross that Joselu calmly slotted home from close range.
Brahimi was again instrumental in the second goal, threading a clever chip between two defenders to find Ahmed Al Janehi inside the box. Al Janehi surged forward and fired a low shot from close range to double Al Gharafa’s advantage in the 63rd minute.
Al Khor responded in the 75th minute with a stunning long-range strike from Abdulaziz Hazaa, leaving substitute goalkeeper Lecoumet Kloud Amin, who had replaced Khalifa Ababacar in the second half, no chance. Despite the late pressure, Al Gharafa held on to their narrow lead to book a place in the quarter-finals.
“Al Khor gave everything in the match. We managed to minimise their threat for most of the game, but we let them back in during the second half. Still, we dug deep and fought hard for the win,” Al Gharafa’s Aron Gunnarsson said after the win.
“Hopefully this season we can bring the Cup home for the fans — and we’ll fight for it.”
Al Wakrah face Umm Salal; Al Shamal meet Al Arabi
Today, Al Wakrah take on Umm Salal at Khalifa International Stadium in a thrilling Round of 16 clash.
Both teams are looking to turn their fortunes around after a challenging season. Al Wakrah, who finished eighth in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), are aiming for a strong run in the tournament. Umm Salal, meanwhile, narrowly retained their QSL status after edging Al Markhiya in the relegation playoff following an 11th-place finish.
Later in the evening, Al Shamal and Al Arabi will clash at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in the final Round of 16 fixture.
Al Shamal ended their league campaign in sixth place, while nine-time Amir Cup winners Al Arabi will be hoping for resurgence after finishing ninth in the QSL.
AMIR CUP
Round of 16
Yesterday's Results
Al Gharafa 2-1 Al Khor
Al Sadd 3-1 Al Kharaitiyat
Today's FIXTURES
Al Wakrah vs Umm Salal at Khalifa International Stadium 5:15pm
Al Shamal vs Al Arabi at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium 8:15pm
