Doha, Qatar – Al Bidda advanced to the quarter-finals of the QSL Cup after a decisive 3-1 victory over Al Sailiya at Grand Hamad Stadium yesterday. A brace from Tiku Cosmas and a goal from Cristian Del Bello secured the win for Al Bidda, while Al Markhiya and Al Shahania also progressed through play-off matches. This result completes the eight-team bracket for the tournament’s knockout stage.
The play-off matches, held on January 28th, determined the final teams to join the top-ranked sides in the quarter-finals. The QSL Cup provides a competitive platform for teams to showcase their talent and vie for a spot in the next stage of the competition. This year’s tournament has featured a mix of established clubs and emerging contenders.
QSL Cup Quarter-Final Lineup Confirmed
Tiku Cosmas opened the scoring for Al Bidda in the 12th minute, setting the tone for their dominant performance. He then added his second goal in the 51st minute, effectively putting the game beyond Al Sailiya’s reach. Cristian Del Bello further solidified Al Bidda’s lead with a goal in the 66th minute.
Al Sailiya managed a late consolation goal through Salem Sultan in added time, but it was insufficient to mount a comeback. The defeat eliminates Al Sailiya from the QSL Cup, while Al Bidda now prepares for a challenging quarter-final match against Umm Salal.
Meanwhile, Al Markhiya overcame Al Khor in a closely contested play-off. Despite falling behind to a 20th-minute penalty converted by Sofiane Hanni, Al Markhiya rallied to secure a 2-1 victory. Lucas Gabriel equalized for Al Markhiya in the 43rd minute, and Mouhamadou Naby Sarr scored the winning goal in the 57th minute.
Al Markhiya’s Comeback Victory
Al Markhiya’s ability to overturn the early deficit demonstrates their resilience and tactical flexibility. This win propels them into a quarter-final clash with Muaither, promising an exciting encounter between two determined teams. The match highlighted the competitive nature of the QSL Cup and the potential for upsets.
In the final play-off match, Al Shahania edged past Al Shamal with a 1-0 scoreline, thanks to a dramatic own goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Al Shamal goalkeeper Oumar Barry inadvertently deflected a long-range free kick from Yousef Raisi into his own net, sealing Al Shahania’s progression.
The unfortunate own goal proved to be the decisive moment in a tightly fought contest. Al Shahania will now face the league-stage leaders, Al Rayyan, in the quarter-finals. This match is expected to be a significant test for Al Shahania against a formidable opponent.
The remaining quarter-final pairing will see Al Arabi take on Al Waab. Al Arabi, a consistently strong performer in Qatari football, will be the favorites in this match. However, Al Waab has shown promise throughout the tournament and will be eager to cause an upset. The Qatar Stars League (QSL) Cup continues to provide exciting football action.
The quarter-final matches of the QSL Cup are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, with specific dates and venues to be announced by the QSL. The tournament’s progression will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as teams battle for a place in the semi-finals and ultimately, the championship title. The performance of teams like Al Bidda and Al Shahania will be particularly interesting to observe as they face tougher competition in the next round.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the quarter-final matchups and how each team strategizes to advance. Potential tactical adjustments and player form will be key factors influencing the outcomes. The QSL Cup remains a vital component of the Qatari football calendar, offering opportunities for player development and competitive exposure.
