Al Gharafa stunned favourites Al Sadd in a dramatic quarter-final decided by penalties, while Al Rayyan also needed a shootout to edge past defending champions Al Duhail. With both teams dispatching top-tier opposition, they will now fancy their chances of lifting the title — though Al Ahli and Umm Salal will be eager to play spoilers and create their own slice of history.
On the eve of the semi-final, Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge said all four teams would carry the belief that they can reach the final. “We’ve reached the penultimate stage of the tournament, and that demands our absolute best. Securing a place in the final is now a legitimate ambition for every team remaining,” Jorge said Saturday.
Reflecting on his team's recent form, he noted: “In our last match, the players responded well, although I wasn’t fully satisfied with our first-half performance. Now, everyone is focused and committed. We know the task ahead is tough, especially after that intense quarter-final against Al Duhail.”
He added: “We hope to avoid complications against a well-organized team that has performed at a high level this season. They have quality players, so our concentration must be total. Cup matches are different — they demand a different mentality than the league.”
Midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem said the team is determined to bring Rayyan back to the podium. “There’s no doubt this is a crucial and difficult confrontation that demands great effort. Reaching the final is our main goal, and we want to do it for our loyal fans, who have always stood by us,” said Hatem.
“We’re just one step away, but facing Al Ahli won’t be easy — especially after the level of intensity we saw in the match against Al Duhail,” he continued. “We’re looking to show the fighting spirit that can take us through. Everyone is united behind the goal of restoring Al Rayyan’s status after a long absence from the top.”
Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan urged his team to give it their all. “Cup matches are fiercely competitive, and every team is fighting for more than just a place in the final. We must give our best,” Biscan said. “We’re up against an experienced Al Rayyan side that has shown strong form this season, so we have to remain sharp and take advantage of our attacking transitions.”
Biscan confirmed that key midfielder Julian Draxler will miss the game due to injury. “Draxler has had a great season and is an important player for us, but we won’t dwell on his absence. Our full focus is on the players available.”
Al Ahli midfielder Jassim Mohammed said reaching the final would be an “honour.” “We’re determined to deliver the kind of performance this match demands. It’s going to be a tough contest between two strong sides,” said Jassim. “This season, we’ve surprised many with our level, and we want to carry that momentum into what might be our toughest match yet.”
He added: “Reaching the Amir Cup final would be a tremendous honour. Al Ahli hasn’t made it to the final since 2003, and that alone gives us extra motivation to write a new chapter in the club’s history.”
Amir Cup Semi-finals:
- Sunday: Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, 7pm
- Monday: Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa – Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, 7pm