Doha, Qatar – Al Ahli secured the Qatar-UAE Challenge Cup title yesterday, defeating Al Jazira 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The victory marks the second win for Qatar in the four-match Qatar-UAE Super Cup series, showcasing the growing competitive balance between the two nations’ football leagues. The thrilling final concluded a week of inter-league competition.
The match saw a dramatic late equalizer from Julian Draxler, forcing the game into penalties after Vinicius Mello had given Al Jazira the lead in the 48th minute. Al Ahli goalkeeper Marwan Sherif proved crucial in the shootout, blocking a penalty, while Al Jazira suffered two misses, ultimately handing the title to the Qatari side.
Al Ahli Claims Victory in Intense Qatar-UAE Challenge Cup Final
The Qatar-UAE Challenge Cup final was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Al Ahli dominated the early stages, with Draxler orchestrating several attacks. However, Al Jazira proved resilient, and Mello’s goal after the restart shifted the momentum.
Al Ahli coach Younes Ali praised his team’s determination and focus, noting their ability to overcome absences within the squad. According to Ali, the players’ resolve grew stronger throughout the week leading up to the final, demonstrating a collective commitment to the competition. He also highlighted the team’s consistent improvement in recent weeks.
Key Moments in the Match
The first half saw Al Ahli pressing for a breakthrough, with Erik Exposito and Driss Fettouhi both testing the Al Jazira defense. Al Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khasif made several key saves, including denying Michel Vlap from a set-piece.
Mello’s goal for Al Jazira early in the second half sparked celebrations among the home crowd. However, Al Ahli continued to push for an equalizer, with Vlap coming close on multiple occasions. Draxler’s dramatic header in stoppage time ultimately leveled the score, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout proved to be a nerve-wracking affair. Sherif’s save and the two missed penalties from Al Jazira proved decisive, with Suhaib Gannan calmly converting the winning spot-kick. The result underscores the increasing quality of Qatari football and its ability to compete with established UAE clubs.
This victory follows Al Sadd’s Super Shield win over Shabab Al Ahli earlier in the week, contributing to Qatar’s success in the broader Qatar-UAE Super Cup series. However, Al Gharafa and Al Duhail both experienced defeats in their respective finals, demonstrating the competitive nature of the series. The Qatar Stars League is gaining prominence on the regional stage.
Looking ahead, both leagues will likely analyze the results of the series to identify areas for improvement and further enhance the quality of their respective competitions. The performance of individual players, particularly Draxler and Sherif, will be closely watched by their clubs as they prepare for upcoming domestic and continental fixtures. Future iterations of the Qatar-UAE Super Cup are expected, potentially with adjustments to the format based on feedback from participating teams and football associations. The development of football in Qatar continues to be a key focus.
The series also provides valuable experience for players preparing for potential national team selection, with both Qatar and the UAE aiming to strengthen their squads for future international competitions. The ongoing rivalry between the two nations is expected to continue, fostering a competitive environment that benefits both leagues and their respective national teams. Source
