Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Sadd claimed their fourth Qatar Cup title, their second trophy of the season following the Qatar Stars League triumph, as they beat arch-rivals Al Duhail 3-2 in a nervy penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday.
His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, along with President of Al Sadd Club HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, awarded Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos with the trophy. Sheikh Joaan also honoured the winners and runners-up in presence of H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, President of Qatar Football Association, and H.E. Hani Ballan, CEO of Qatar Stars League.
Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was the hero for Al Sadd as he saved two successive penalty kicks diving first to his left and then to his right.
While Hassan Al Haydos, Akram Afif, Rafa Mujica, and Claudinho scored for Al Sadd, Pedro Miguel missed. For Al Duhail, Almoez Ali, Edmilson Jr., and Benjamin Bourigeaud were on target but Michael Olunga and Karim Boudiaf erred.
A delighted Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez credited his players for the achievement.
“I’m very happy for our supporters. The players put in an incredible effort. We played against a top team, and it was a great match,” Sanchez said after the win.
He also heaped praise on Barsham. “Barsham once again emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout. We always say: he’ll save two, so we just need to score four. It’s a privilege to have a goalkeeper like him.”
“We’ll celebrate tonight, but tomorrow we start preparing for our next match.”
A smiling as always, Barsham said, “I enjoy penalties. I stay optimistic and fearless,” he said. “It was a tough match — Al Duhail played really well.
Al Duhail made an aggressive start to the match but Al Sadd held fort despite some anxious moments in the opening half. Barsham was instrumental in making a good save here as well.
The Red Knights fetched lead in the 49th minute when Olunga headed home a corner kick.
Al Sadd hit back in the 63rd minute after Miguel brought down during a corner kick and the referee ruled a penalty. The spot kick was converted by Claudinho 1-1.
Al Duhail, however, regained lead three minutes later - opening the attack from the right flank and Benjamin Bourigeaud connected a Bassem Al Rawi cross from in front of the goal while being in line of the defence (2-1).
Al Sadd pulled level again (in the 86th minute) as Rafa Mujica leapt high to make a fine header off a Claudinho lob from the left. 2-2
The two extra-time halves failed to break the deadlock and The Wolves eventually prevailed in the shootout on their home turf. The victory left both the Al Sadd players and fans elated.
This is Al Sadd’s fourth Qatar Cup triumph after 2017, 2020 and 2021, since the tournament’s inception in 2014.
