Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, and Al Gharafa Secure Amir Cup Quarter-Final Spots

In a series of exciting matches, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, and Al Gharafa have all advanced to the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup, showcasing their determination and skill on the pitch. The knockout stage of Qatar’s premier football tournament saw thrilling encounters that left fans at the edge of their seats.

Al Sadd Triumphs Over Al Markhiya

Al Sadd began their pursuit of a record-extending 20th Amir Cup title with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Al Markhiya at Grand Hamad Stadium on March 15, 2024. After a scoreless first half, the match came alive in the 75th minute when Rafa Mujica converted a penalty, breaking the deadlock. Mujica then added a second goal, expertly set up by Akram Afif.

Al Markhiya managed to score in stoppage time through Mohamedou Naby Sarr, raising the tension as their late attempt struck the post. Al Sadd will now face Al Shamal in the quarter-finals.

Defender Ahmed Suhail commented on the match, stating, “It was a tough match and we were aware Al Markhiya would put up a strong challenge. We must focus on the upcoming matches, and our ambition is always to compete for every title, especially the most prestigious one.”

Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa Secure Victories

At Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan set up a quarter-final clash against Al Wakrah after defeating Al Khor 2-0. The match saw Aleksandar Mitrovic score early in the 12th minute, with Roger Guedes doubling the lead just before halftime in the 43rd minute. Al Khor experienced a setback when Ambrose Uchebo was sent off in the 53rd minute after receiving two yellow cards.

Meanwhile, defending champions Al Gharafa reached the quarter-finals with a convincing 2-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium. Dame Traore opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, converting a free kick delivered by Yacine Brahimi. Joselu added a second from a VAR-awarded penalty in the 33rd minute, sealing the win for Al Gharafa.

Al Gharafa displayed clear control throughout the match, creating numerous chances and capitalizing on set pieces. Al Gharafa’s Ayoub Al-Alawi expressed the importance of the victory, stating, “Winning against Al Kharaitiyat was crucial for us, especially to secure our place in the quarter-finals of this prestigious tournament, which we currently hold the title for. We aim to carry this momentum into the next stage and get the team back on track in the remaining competitions of the season.”

As the Amir Cup progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters, with the next round promising to deliver high-stakes drama and excitement.