Roberto Firmino’s dramatic stoppage-time strike secured a 3-2 victory for Al Sadd over Shabab Al Ahli in the Qatar-UAE Super Shield at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. The Qatar Stars League champions overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit to claim the trophy in a thrilling second half that produced four more goals.
Firmino opened his account in the 55th minute before adding a decisive finish in the 90+6th minute, while Al Sadd playmaker Akram Afif, at the forefront of the hosts’ attacking play, scored in the 75th minute. Shabab Al Ahli’s goals came from Yuri Cesar in the 31st minute and Mohammad Juma in the 79th.
The UAE side initially took the lead through Cesar, who fired a powerful strike after a precise setup from Federico Nicolas Cartabia just outside the penalty area. Al Sadd nearly responded at the hour mark when Afif’s attempt from inside the box was expertly blocked by Bogdan Planic.
Al Sadd drew level shortly after the break when they were awarded a penalty following a mistimed tackle by Mateus Henrique Silva on Afif inside the box. Firmino converted with composure to make it 1-1. The hosts then surged ahead in the 75th minute as Afif latched onto a long floater from Pedro Miguel, intercepting before calmly finishing from close range.
Shabab Al Ahli responded swiftly, with Juma rising high to head home in the 79th minute, making it 2-2 and setting up a tense finale. Al Sadd pressed relentlessly, testing the rival defence repeatedly.
Afif narrowly missed the target twice in the 87th minute and shortly after, as the game edged into stoppage time, Mohamed Camara delivered a curling ground cross to Firmino, who made no mistake in scoring the winning goal. The stadium erupted as Al Sadd players and fans celebrated the triumph.
Sadd’s Italian coach Roberto Mancini expressed his delight with the triumph. “I am very happy for the team, the players, and the fans who attended and strongly supported us. We played a remarkable match and succeeded in our efforts. I am very happy with my first title with the team, and our goal is to continue working to win more titles.”
Mancini also stressed the importance of maintaining their performance throughout the season, saying the team must approach the rest of the competitions with the same strength they showed today in order to compete for all championships.
Al Sadd captain Hassan al-Haydos said: “The match was intense and exciting from both sides, and Shabab Al Ahli played at a high level, forcing us to fight until the very last moment. I believe team spirit and focus were the key to our success. This title is the result of a collective effort, and we dedicate it to Al Sadd’s fans who have always supported us. We hope it will serve as strong motivation for our upcoming matches.”