Doha, Qatar – The stage is set for an exciting knockout tournament as the draw for the 54th Amir Cup took place yesterday, revealing a series of compelling Round of 16 matchups. Defending champions Al Gharafa will face Al Kharaitiyat, while other Qatar Stars League (QSL) powerhouses like Al Sadd and Al Rayyan also learned their opponents for the competition, which begins February 12th.
The draw ceremony, held in Doha, was attended by key figures from the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and participating clubs. Twelve QSL teams and four clubs from the Second Division, who successfully navigated the preliminary rounds, were included in the draw, promising a diverse and competitive field.
Exciting Matchups Highlight the Amir Cup Round of 16
Al Gharafa, fresh off their first Amir Cup title in 13 years after a 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan last May, will begin their title defense against Second Division side Al Kharaitiyat on February 14th at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. Coach Pedro Martins cautioned against underestimating their opponents, emphasizing the importance of respect in football. “There are no easy teams, even the Second Division sides,” Martins stated.
Last season’s runners-up, Al Rayyan, will face Al Khor at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on the same day. Meanwhile, Al Sadd, aiming for a record-extending 20th Amir Cup title, will take on Al Markhiya at Grand Hamad Stadium. Coach Roberto Mancini expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete in the knockout format. “We are Al Sadd, and we try to win every competition we play in,” he said.
Key Fixtures and Dates
The Round of 16 kicks off on February 12th with a clash between Al Duhail and Al Waab at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Wakrah will then face Al Sailiya at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium later that evening. February 13th will see Al Shamal take on Qatar SC and Al Shahaniya battle Al Arabi. The final Round of 16 match, Al Ahli versus Umm Salal, is scheduled for February 15th.
Additionally, the QFA announced that all drawn matches will be decided by penalty shootouts, adding an extra layer of drama to the early stages of the tournament. A “Man of the Match” award, sponsored by Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB), will be presented after each game, with a total prize value of QR130,000.
QIIB Continues Sponsorship of Prestigious Football Tournament
QIIB is proud to continue its support of the Amir Cup for a third consecutive year, allocating nearly one million riyals in prizes. This includes travel packages, cash prizes for fans, and awards for the top performers in each match. Talal Al Jeida, QIIB Product Management Director, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting Qatari sports and community engagement.
The Qatar Stars League season is currently underway, and the Amir Cup provides a separate, high-stakes competition for clubs to showcase their talent. The tournament offers a pathway to continental competitions for the winner, adding further incentive for teams to perform at their best. The competition also serves as a valuable platform for developing Qatari football talent.
Tickets for all Amir Cup matches will be available for purchase on the QFA website. The quarter-final matchups will be determined following the completion of the Round of 16, scheduled for February 12th – 15th. Fans will be watching closely to see which teams can advance and contend for the prestigious title.
The next step will be the Round of 16 matches themselves, with the first games scheduled for February 12th. The performance of key players and tactical approaches will be closely scrutinized as teams vie for a place in the quarter-finals. The potential for upsets remains high, making the Amir Cup a captivating spectacle for football fans across Qatar.
