Sharjah FC emerged victorious in the Qatar-UAE Super Cup, defeating Al Gharafa 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. The win marks a significant achievement for the UAE club and highlights the growing competitiveness between football leagues in the Gulf region. This annual competition aims to foster sporting ties and showcase talent from both nations.
The match saw a hard-fought battle, with both teams demonstrating attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Al Gharafa took the lead in the second half through Florinel Coman, but Sharjah quickly responded with a goal from Luan Pereira, forcing the game into a tense penalty shootout. The competition continues with further matches scheduled throughout the week.
Sharjah Clinches Qatar-UAE Super Cup After Dramatic Penalty Victory
The game remained scoreless through the first half, despite promising opportunities for both sides. Al Gharafa’s Yacine Brahimi and Joselu both came close to finding the back of the net, but Sharjah goalkeeper Adel Alhosani proved equal to the task. The first half showcased a tactical approach from both teams, prioritizing defensive stability.
Al Gharafa finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, with Coman capitalizing on an assist from Alvaro Djalo. However, their lead was short-lived as Pereira equalized just ten minutes later, sending the match into a penalty shootout. This quick turnaround in momentum demonstrated Sharjah’s determination and ability to respond under pressure.
The penalty shootout proved to be a nail-biting affair. While Joselu, Brahimi, Ferjani Sassi, and Coman all successfully converted for Al Gharafa, Jang Hyun-soo’s attempt was expertly saved by Alhosani. Sharjah maintained a perfect record from the spot, with Igor Coronado calmly slotting home the winning penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Sharjah players and fans. The football match was a testament to the skill and nerve of both teams.
Sharjah coach Jose Morais expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating, “It is always important to win a trophy. I am pleased that it was a high-quality match. I hope this competition will continue in the coming years.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by Al Gharafa and praised his team’s resilience.
Looking Ahead to Remaining Matches
The Qatar-UAE Super Cup schedule continues with Al Duhail facing Al Wahda today at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, vying for the Challenge Shield. Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi voiced confidence in his team’s preparation, anticipating a tough contest against a strong Al Wahda side.
Al Wahda previously defeated Al Duhail 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite, but coach Dimas Teixeira emphasized that this match will be a different challenge. He stated that finals demand complete focus and that his team will fight for victory to make their supporters proud. This upcoming match is a key focus for sports enthusiasts in the region.
Tomorrow, Al Sadd will host Shabab Al Ahli at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium for the Super Shield. The event will conclude on Sunday with the Challenge Cup match between Al Jazira and Al Ahli at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. These remaining fixtures promise further exciting encounters and a showcase of talent from both Qatar and the UAE.
Al Gharafa’s Sassi acknowledged the disappointment of the loss, attributing it to the unpredictable nature of penalty shootouts. He noted that while his team played well, particularly in the second half, small details ultimately decided the outcome. The team will likely analyze the match to identify areas for improvement in future competitions.
The success of the Qatar-UAE Super Cup underscores the potential for increased collaboration and competition within Gulf football. The remaining matches will be closely watched to assess the relative strengths of the teams and the overall impact of this inter-league tournament. Further details regarding future iterations of the competition, including potential expansion and scheduling adjustments, are expected to be announced by the organizing committees in the coming months.
Al Duhail players attend a training session on the eve of their Challenge Shield match.
