Al Sailiyah beat Al Duhail on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Amir Cup at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday night.
Displaying courage under pressure, Al Sailiyah won 5-4 after both sides were locked at 2-2 in regulation time. Al Sailiyah’s goals were scored by Iranian Mehrdad Mohammadi scored from the penalty mark (18) and Sergio Carlos of Sweden (69). Al Duhail equalised with goals from Mohamed Muntari and the Korean Nam Tae He.
Al Sailiyah reached the semi-finals for the second time in its history. They reached the semi-finals in the 2013 edition against Al Sadd.
Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo said: “We failed to take advantage of the chances we created. Al Sailiyah have always been difficult opponents in Amir Cup matches. Penalties are always like that and any team can win. I am proud of my players who gave their best in the match. We will now focus on our league matches to secure the title.”
Sergio Carlos, the Al Sailiyah team striker, expressed his happiness at the victory achieved at the expense of Al Duhail on penalties.
“We played with a high fighting spirit and achieved a well-deserved qualification for the next round of the Amir Cup,” Carlos said.
“We succeeded in keeping up with Al Duhail team. In football, some differences can shrink even if there is an advantage on paper. Winning and qualifying for the next advanced stage of the tournament gives us confidence.”
Al Sailiyah will meet Al Arabi in the semi-final on April 25.