Umm Salal edge Al Shahania on penalties, Al Ahli beat Shahania to enter Amir Cup semis

Umm Salal prevailed over a challenging Al Shamal 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw while Al Ahli edged Al Shahania 2-1 in their clash to secure the Amir Cup football semi-final spots Tuesday.

At the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Umm Salal made a fighting comeback to hold Al Shamal to a 1-1 stalemate after Naim Sliti had given the latter the advantage in the 53rd minute. Sliti needed a bursting sprint to reach a cross inside the 'D' and he battled a challenging defender despite a stumble to put the ball into the net.

Antonio Mance made amends for Umm Salal late in the second half (86th min) slamming into the right corner from just inside the box.

Early in the first half of extra time, Al Shamal lost Omar Ali, who received a red card, but they, managed to hold on as penalties were enforced. Mohammed Musa, Younes Belhanda and Baghdad Bounedjah missed the target while only Fahad Waad and Jeison Murillo struck for Al Shamal.

For Umm Salal, Ahmed Al Saadi, Mance, and Victor Lekhal scored from the spot while Ali Al Muhannadi missed. Umm Salal has qualified for the semi-finals for the first time in 15 years.

Earlier, at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Ahli rode on a stoppage time goal to overcome Al Shahania 2-1.

In the very 7th minute of play, Hamdi Nagguez put Shahania in the lead as he headed back a ricochet from top of the right post after a long kick from outside the box hit it.

Al Ahli had to rally long before they found the equalizer in the 68th minute as Hamad Mansour dashed in from the left to beat the rival goalkeeper.

The deadlock then continued on before Oumar Sekou produced the winner in the 100th minute latching on to a chance after a mini goal-mouth melee, much to his team and fans' delight.

On Wednesday, Al Gharafa will face Al Sadd at the Al Thumama Stadium at 5.15pm, while Al Rayyan play Al Duhail at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 8.15pm.