DOHA: Defending champions Al Gharafa advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Emir Cup with a 2-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat in their round-of-16 clash at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Al Gharafa took control early and opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Dame Traore finished from close range after an Algerian Yacine Brahimi free kick was delivered into the penalty area.
The lead was doubled 11 minutes later, with Spanish striker Joselu converting a penalty after Alvaro Dagalo was fouled in the box, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The defending champions continued to press and came close to a third goal before the break when Dagalo met a Brahimi cross, only to see his effort rebound off the post in the 38th minute. The first half ended with Al Gharafa firmly in control at 2-0.
The tempo dropped after the interval, and Al Gharafa were reduced to 10 men when defender Dame Traore received his second yellow card in the 65th minute. Al Kharaitiyat attempted to reduce the deficit in the closing stages but were unable to find a breakthrough.
Al Gharafa held on comfortably to seal their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winners of the match between Umm Salal and Al Ahli.
