In an exciting quarter-final match at Al Janoub Stadium, Michael Olunga led Al Duhail to a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champions Al Arabi in the Amir Cup. Olunga scored a brace to secure the win for the Red Knights, who will now face arch-rivals Al Sadd in the semi-finals. Al Duhail and Al Arabi exchanged early goals, with Youssef Msakni and Philippe Coutinho finding the back of the net. However, Olunga’s winning goal in the 59th minute proved to be the decider as Al Duhail advanced to the next round.
Al Sadd also secured a spot in the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Al Wakrah, thanks to a goal from Baghdad Bounedjah in the 20th minute. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham played a crucial role in preserving the lead with several outstanding saves. Despite a disallowed goal in stoppage time, Al Sadd held on to secure their place in the next round. The team’s coach Mohammed Waad praised the players for their performance and thanked the fans for their support, expressing optimism for the upcoming matches.
In another quarter-final match, Al Rayyan defeated Al Khor 4-1 and will face Qatar SC in the semi-finals. Coach Leonardo Jardim expressed confidence in his team’s ability to continue their winning streak in the knockout tournament. Qatar SC, on the other hand, won against Al Waab 2-0 in the previous round and are determined to give their best against a tough opponent like Al Rayyan. The match is expected to be a closely contested encounter with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Al Gharafa and Umm Salal are also set for a thrilling quarter-final clash at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Both teams faced tough challenges in the previous rounds, with Al Gharafa overcoming Al Ahli 4-3 in extra time and Umm Salal defeating Al Bidda 3-1 in extra time. Coaches Pedro Martins and Patrice Carteron emphasized the importance of small details and high-level performance to secure victory in the upcoming match. Fans can expect an exciting game between two competitive teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals.
Overall, the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup have brought forth exciting matches and unexpected results, setting the stage for thrilling semi-final encounters. With top teams like Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, Qatar SC, Al Gharafa, and Umm Salal in contention, football enthusiasts can look forward to intense clashes as the tournament progresses. Each team is determined to showcase their best performance and make a mark in the quest for the prestigious cup title. The semi-final matches promise to be action-packed and full of surprises as the teams battle it out for a place in the final and a chance to lift the trophy.
