In a dramatic finish to their 2025 Amir Cup quarter-final clash, Al Gharafa emerged victorious over arch-rivals Al Sadd in a penalty shootout, securing a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the Amir Cup.

In the other semi-final Al Rayyan defeated Al Duhail 5-4 in shootout at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Both sides were locked at 2-2 at regular time and extra time.The final score in the shootout stood at 5-4 in favour of Al Gharafa, following a captivating 2-2 draw that extended through regular and extra time.

The first half saw Al Gharafa take a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a Joselu penalty awarded in the second minute of added time.

Al Gharafa then doubled their advantage early in the second half when Yacine Brahimi converted another penalty in the 52nd minute.

However, Al Sadd mounted a spirited comeback. Midway through the second half, an unfortunate own goal by Al Gharafa’s Aron Gunnarsson handed Al Sadd a lifeline.

The drama intensified in the dying moments of stoppage time when Boualem Khoukhi struck a sensational equaliser in the ninth minute, sending the match into extra time.

Ultimately, the quarter-final showdown was decided by penalties. Al Gharafa held their nerve, with Joselu, Mohammed Muntari, Ferjani Sassi, Aron Gunnarsson, and Jamal Mohammed all successfully converting their spot-kicks.

Ahmed Al Janahi was the only Al Gharafa player to miss.

For Al Sadd, successful penalties came from Hassan al-Haydos, Akram Afif, Rafa Mujica and Khoukhi.

However, crucial misses from Claudinho and Pedro Miguel sealed Al Gharafa’s dramatic victory and passage into the semi-finals of the prestigious Amir Cup.

The intense encounter at Al Thumama Stadium will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament thus far.

In the later clash of the evening, Al Duhail suffered a similar fate as they lost 4-5 on penalties to Al Rayyan after a 2-2 draw in regular time. After Edmilson Junior (24th minute) and Michael Olunga (57th minute) had put Al Duhail ahead, Roger Guedes struck a late brace in the 85th minute and 90 + 8 minute (penalty) to draw parity for Al Rayyan.

In the shootout, Guedes, Adam Bareiro, Trezeguet, Rodrigo Tabata and Julian De Sart were all on target for Al Rayyan while Abdullah Al Arhrak missed for Al Duhail.

Benjamin Bourigeaud, Homam Ahmed, Lucas Verissimo and Bassam Al Rawi scored.

In the semi-final on May 18, Al Gharafa will meet Umm Salal while Al Ahli will play Al Rayyan.