Al Arabi won their second Qatar Handball Cup title in a thrilling final against Al Duhail, with a 35-34 victory after a penalty shootout. The match was closely contested, with both teams fighting hard to gain the upper hand. Al Arabi initially took the lead in the first half, but Al Duhail managed to level the scores at 26-26 by full-time. Extra time saw Al Duhail go 29-26 up, thanks to Swiss player Janus Lapajne’s three consecutive goals. However, Al Arabi fought back with goals from Mohammed and Basil Mosa, forcing a shootout after the scores were tied at 29-29.
The penalty shootout was filled with drama as both teams battled it out to secure the win. Al Arabi’s goalkeeper Ahmed M made crucial saves to prevent goals from Al Duhail players, while his teammates successfully scored to clinch the victory. Speaking after the match, Ahmed expressed the importance of winning the Qatar Cup for his team, especially after a challenging season. Despite the tough match, Ahmed emphasized the team’s determination to continue their success in the upcoming Amir Cup semi-finals.
Looking ahead, Al Duhail will face Al Rayyan, while Al Arabi will take on Al Wakrah in the semi-finals of the Amir Cup. Ahmed acknowledged the strength of the opposition, particularly highlighting Al Duhail as a strong team. He emphasized the need for his team to remain focused and prepared for the upcoming matches, despite celebrating their Qatar Cup victory. As they set their sights on the semi-finals, Ahmed stressed the importance of forgetting about the previous win and focusing on the task at hand.
In conclusion, Al Arabi’s victory in the Qatar Handball Cup final was a hard-fought triumph that showcased the team’s resilience and determination. The thrilling match, which ended in a penalty shootout, saw both teams give their all in pursuit of the title. With the Amir Cup semi-finals on the horizon, Al Arabi will need to maintain their focus and preparation to continue their success. As they face tough opposition, including Al Duhail, the team will need to draw on their experience and skills to secure further victories in the tournament.