Al Sadd’s Akram Afif scored an impressive goal in the semi-final against Al Duhail, securing a 1-0 victory for his team and a spot in the Amir Cup final. This solo effort showcased Afif’s skill and determination as he managed to maneuver past several defenders to score the winning goal in the 46th minute. The win puts Al Sadd in a strong position to potentially claim their 19th Amir Cup title, with Al Gharafa set to face Qatar SC in the second semi-final.
The defeat marked the end of a disappointing season for Al Duhail, who finished sixth in the Expo Stars League, failing to qualify for the AFC Champions League. The cagey semi-final saw Al Duhail miss an opportunity to take the lead in the first half when Philippe Coutinho’s penalty was saved by Al Sadd’s goalkeeper. Despite several attempts to equalize, Al Duhail was unable to break through Al Sadd’s defense, ultimately falling short in the match.
For Al Sadd, the victory held significance beyond just reaching the final, as it was also a farewell to their Algerian striker, Baghdad Bounedjah. After spending eight years with the club, Bounedjah expressed gratitude to the fans and highlighted his desire to leave on a high note by winning the Amir Cup. The team’s focus now shifts to the final, where they aim to secure a double this season after winning the ESL title.
In the other semi-final, Al Gharafa and Qatar SC are set to battle it out for a spot in the final. Al Gharafa, coached by Pedro Martins, are determined to end the season on a high note by winning the prestigious Amir Cup. Their opponents, Qatar SC, are coming off a dramatic quarter-final victory against Al Rayyan and are confident in their ability to compete against Al Gharafa. Both teams are prepared for a tough match, with Al Gharafa aiming to secure a spot in the final and Qatar SC looking to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
The semi-final matches have showcased the intense competition and talent in Qatari football, with teams vying for a shot at glory in the Amir Cup. The fans can expect an exciting final as Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, and Qatar SC battle it out for the ultimate prize. With skilled players like Akram Afif and Philippe Coutinho leading their teams, the final promises to be a thrilling showdown filled with moments of brilliance and excitement. Football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the tournament, where a new champion will be crowned and history will be made on the pitch in Qatar.