Al Duhail advanced to the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup after a dominant 4-2 victory over Al Sailiya in their round of 16 clash at Khalifa International Stadium Monday. In the last four, the Red Knights will take on Al Rayyan, who avoided a major upset Monday, coming from behind to defeat second-division side Lusail 4-2 in an entertaining clash at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
Duhail established early control, with French midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after a VAR review. Just three minutes later, Karim Boudiaf doubled the lead with a fierce strike from the edge of the box.
Michael Olunga then struck twice in quick succession — first with a towering header in the 37th minute, then a close-range finish off a Hammam al-Amin cross in the 42nd — to give Duhail a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime.
Sailiya showed more fight in the second half. Algerian striker Mohamed Benyettou pulled one back in the 58th minute and added a second from the penalty spot in the 79th. But it was too little, too late, as Duhail comfortably saw out the match.
In another match, Lusail defied expectations with a spirited display, showing no signs of intimidation against one of Qatar’s most decorated clubs. While Rayyan struck early through Mohamed Siraj in just the second minute, Lusail hit back with purpose. Balla Sangare converted a penalty in the 11th minute to draw level, then stunned the crowd with a superb second goal in the 19th, putting the underdogs 2-1 ahead.
Despite being reduced to ten men in stoppage time after Sangare received a red card, Lusail held firm for much of the second half. But Al Rayyan eventually broke through.
Brazilian forward Roger Guedes levelled the score in the 53rd minute, before Belgian midfielder Julien De Sart put them ahead in the 79th minute. Adam Bareiro sealed the comeback in added time (90+1) to send Rayyan into the quarter-finals.
Al Sadd, Al Gharafa eye quarters spots
On Tuesday, reigning Amir Cup champions Al Sadd begin their title defence with a round of 16 encounter against second-division side Al Kharaitiyat at Al Thumama Stadium, while Al Gharafa take on Al Khor at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Sadd head into the match as overwhelming favourites, having enjoyed a strong season under coach Felix Sanchez. But the former Qatar national team boss insists his side will not take the challenge lightly.
“We’ve had a great season, but our motivation remains high,” Sanchez said. “Our players are ready, and we must give our best to advance. We’re the reigning champions and we aim to prove we can win it again.”
Al Kharaitiyat, recently promoted to the top flight, are viewing the match as a valuable test and an opportunity to showcase their credentials. “Facing Al Sadd is a special and difficult challenge,” said coach Rachid Tiberkanine. “Despite recent setbacks, our players are eager to perform and show their quality. This match is a great opportunity to prove we deserved promotion.”
After securing third place in the league, Al Gharafa are looking to end their long wait for silverware with a deep run in the Amir Cup. “This is a fresh opportunity for us,” said head coach Pedro Martins. “The players are focused, motivated, and optimistic. It’s been years since Al Gharafa lifted a trophy — we’re ready to change that.”
Al Khor, meanwhile, are hoping the cup provides a platform to turn the page on a difficult league campaign. “It’s a tough match, but I believe in our players,” said coach Salam Shaker. “We’ll fight to prove ourselves and aim for a strong performance.”
