DOHA: Al Gharafa booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Amir Cup after edging past defending champions Al Sadd 5-4 on penalties, following a thrilling 2-2 draw after regular and extra time. The intense quarter-final clash took place at Al Thumama Stadium and delivered a memorable contest packed with drama, goals, and late twists.
Early Chances and First-Half Drama
The match kicked off with both sides showing attacking intent. Al Gharafa’s Yacine Brahimi tested the Al Sadd goalkeeper with a powerful shot in the 6th minute, while Claudinho responded with a long-range effort that sailed over the bar in the 11th.
Joselu almost broke the deadlock in the 15th minute with a header from a Brahimi cross, but the match was soon halted for around 25 minutes due to a technical issue, adding significantly to stoppage time.
Joselu and Brahimi lead the charge as Al Gharafa knocks out defending champions in dramatic quarter-final
Al Gharafa resumed with more urgency and saw Rodrigo Moreno head just over the bar in the 36th, while Joselu’s shot was blocked in the 41st minute. A handball by Brazilian defender Paulo Otávio handed Al Gharafa a penalty, which Joselu calmly converted in the 45+2 minute.
Joselu nearly added a second in the 45+10 minute, narrowly missing the target. At the other end, Al Sadd nearly leveled in the 45+16 minute, but Khalifa Abubakr denied Youcef Atal with a brilliant save, preserving the 1-0 lead at the break.
Second-Half Intensity and Al Sadd’s Comeback
Al Gharafa doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when another Otávio handball gifted them a second penalty. This time, it was Brahimi who stepped up and slotted home to make it 2-0.
Al Sadd pushed hard in response. Claudinho forced an error from the Al Gharafa keeper in the 58th, but Rafa Mujica squandered the rebound from close range. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Claudinho’s free kick deflected off Aron Gunnarsson for an own goal, giving Al Sadd hope.
With the momentum shifting, Al Sadd pressed relentlessly. Akram Afif and Mohamed Kamara came close, but Al Gharafa remained dangerous on the counter. Ahmed Al-Janahi missed a golden chance to seal the game in the 84th minute when his weak effort was easily stopped.
As the clock ticked deep into stoppage time, Al Sadd finally found their equalizer. In the 90+9 minute, Hassan Al-Haydos delivered a pinpoint cross that Boualem Khoukhi headed home, forcing extra time.
Extra Time and Penalty Shootout Drama
Despite dominating extra time, Al Sadd could not break through Al Gharafa’s resilient defense. Al Gharafa held firm and took the game to penalties, where they held their nerve.
In a tense shootout, Al Gharafa prevailed 5-4, knocking out the reigning champions and booking a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Amir Cup.
Next Stop: Umm Salal
Al Gharafa will now face Umm Salal in the semi-final. Umm Salal also advanced via penalties (3-2) after a 1-1 draw against Al Shamal yesterday.
With momentum on their side and a dramatic win under their belt, Al Gharafa will be confident heading into the next round as the Amir Cup journey continues.
