Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Shamal upstaged Al Arabi 3-1 while Umm Salal thumped Al Wakrah 4-1 to complete the quarter-finals of the prestigious Amir Cup football tournament on Wednesday.
At the Khalifa International Stadium, Umm Salal went up the lead against Al Wakrah quickly in the 7th minute as Abdulrahman Fayez deflected in a fine lob cross from Omar Rabah.
The lead was doubled by Antonio Mance in the 19th minute following a goal-mouth melee. Mance chanced upon a fine flick from Marouane Louadni while being unmarked on the left of the goal.
Al Wakrah fought back scoring in the 30th minute as Gelson Dala set up Khaled Mohammed with a fine ball in front of the goal.
Al Wakrah however were denied a second goal in the 35th minute as Farid Boulaya’s strong kick on the run hit the crossbar.
Just before half time, Kenji Gorre added one more for Umm Salal (41st minute) as he broke through with a through ball to beat the rival goalkeeper to go into the break ahead at 3-1.
Their fourth goal came in the 87th minute as Antonio Mance made a dash down the left to beat a defender, and later a hapless goalkeeper.
Later at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Al Shamal recovered from an early setback to shock Al Arabi.
The Dream Team was up the lead following a penalty and a spot kick strike from Luiz Martin in the 5th minute.
Al Shamal broke through the rival defence in the 23rd minute as Mohammed Mannai struck superbly from just in front of the goal.
The teams went into the break at 1-1.
Naim Sliti put Al Shamal ahead in the 59th minute, dashing in to pick on the ball, finding the left corner between defenders and the goalkeeper.
Baghdad Bounedjah made it 3-1 for his side as he connected a Younnes El Hannach cross just in time at the right post in the 86th minute.
Umm Salal and Al Shamal will clash in the quarter-finals. The other last eight meetings being between Al Sadd and Al Gharafa; Al Shahania and Al Ahli; and between Al Duhail and Al Rayyan.
The quarter-finals will be played on May 13 and 14 while the semi-finals are scheduled for May 18 and 19.The Khalifa International Stadium will host the final on May 24.
