Duhail edge Gharafa to reach Qatar Cup final

Al Duhail clinched their place in the Qatar Cup final on Wednesday after edging past Al Gharafa 4-3 on penalties in a tense semi-final showdown at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

The match ended goalless after regular and extra time, with both teams squandering several chances before the shootout. The Red Knights will now face bitter rivals Al Sadd in the final on May 10, in a much-anticipated clash at the same venue.

Al Duhail started on the front foot, applying early pressure and dominating possession. Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech delivered a dangerous cross in the 24th minute that narrowly missed the boot of captain Almoez Ali, who was well-positioned in front of goal.

Al Gharafa responded ten minutes later with an organised attack down the right flank. A precise cross found Joselu inside the box, but the Spaniard fired wide of the post, leaving the first half scoreless.

The second half followed a similar pattern of tight defensive lines and missed opportunities. In the 49th minute, Rodrigo failed to capitalise on a low cross from Ahmed al-Janahi.

Al Duhail came closest in the 78th minute when substitute Edmilson Junior’s free kick from just outside the box flew just wide.

Despite determined efforts from both sides in extra time, neither could find a breakthrough, sending the match to penalties. Al Duhail kept their nerve from the spot, converting four of their five kicks, while Al Gharafa missed two.

Almoez Ali, Edmilson Junior, Benjamin Bourigeaud, and Bassam al-Rawi all converted from the spot for Al Duhail to ensure Sultan al-Brake’s miss was eventually of no consequence, while Fabricio Díaz and Yacine Brahimi missed their shots for Al Gharafa with only Joselu, Ferjani Sassi and Rabh Boussafi finding the net.

Duhail’s Ismail Mohamed, speaking after the win, hailed the victory as a crucial step forward for his team: “We are happy to win and qualify for the final after a strong and marathon match. Al Gharafa are a tough opponent, and now our focus shifts to the final and the Emir’s Cup. After missing out on the league, we are determined to compete for both titles.”

On the other side, Gharafa’s Ferjani Sassi expressed disappointment at the result, praising his side’s defensive organisation but lamenting missed opportunities.

“It was a close match, full of midfield duels and physical effort. Unfortunately, we didn’t take advantage of our counterattacks. We congratulate Al Duhail and apologise to our fans. Now our focus turns to the Amir’s Cup,” he said.