DOHA : Al Sadd SC stormed into the semi-finals of the Amir Cup after a dramatic 6-4 victory over Al Shamal SC in a thrilling quarter-final clash.
The win sets up a semi-final showdown with Al Duhail SC, who progressed with a commanding win over Al Arabi.
Al Sadd made a blistering start, with Hassan Al Haydos opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute before Claudinho doubled the lead shortly after.
Spanish forward Rafa Mujica then struck twice in quick succession to put Al Sadd 4-0 up inside 25 minutes, leaving Al Shamal reeling.
Al Shamal responded just before the break through Tamer Seyam, who headed home to make it 4-1.
Mujica completed his hat-trick early in the second half following a rebound from Akram Afif, restoring Al Sadd’s four-goal cushion.
However, Al Shamal mounted a spirited comeback, with goals from Baghdad Bounedjah, Jeison Murillo and Mohammed Omar bringing the score to 5-4 and setting up a tense finale.
With Al Shamal pushing forward for an equaliser, substitute Dillereson sealed the win deep into stoppage time, finishing a counter-attack to cap a remarkable contest.
The result highlights Al Sadd’s attacking strength as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending Amir Cup title.
