The Round of 16 matches of the 50th edition of Amir Cup will be held from February 13, the Qatar Football Association announced yesterday.
Two matches will be held over four days with defending champion Al Sadd opening the competition against second division side Muaither at 4:40pm at the Grand Hamad Stadium. That encounter will be followed by the last 16 contest between Qatar SC and Al Shamal at 7:30pm at the same stadium.
On February 14, Al Ahly will meet Al Markhiya, followed by the Al Arabi-Al Sailiya encounter at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
On February 15, Al Duhail will take on Al Khor, before last year’s runner-up Al Rayyan face Umm Salal at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium. Grand Hamad Stadium will host the final two last 16 matches on February 16th, when Al Gharafa square off against Al Kharaitiyat, while Al Wakra take on Al Shahaniya. There will be no extra time played, with the winners decided by penalty shootout if the match ended in a draw in regulation time. Al Sadd are the defending champions, having beaten Al Rayyan on penalties at Al Thumama Stadium last year. The Wolves have won the Amir Cup crown a record 18 times since the tournament’s inception in 1972 and will once again start as heavy favourites.