Doha
Al Duhail saved their best for the big occasion as the Red Knights’ sealed an empathic 5-1 win over Al Gharafa in the final to clinch the 50th edition of the Amir Cup yesterday. At the Khalifa International Stadium, there were five different scorers for Duhail, but it was Edmilson Junior who stole the spotlight, putting on a brilliant performance worthy of a marquee clash.
The Belgian midfielder started the goal rush with a sixth-minute strike before setting it up for Michael Olunga (18’) and Almoez Ali (52’). Ferjani Sassi (58’) and substitute Abdelrahman Mohamed Moustafa (85’) also found the net with Duhail deservedly claiming their fourth Amir Cup title.
For Al Gharafa, it was a night to forget with their only moment of hope coming in when Ahmed Alaaeldin struck in the 53rd minute. The Cheetah’s – seeking their eight Amir Cup title and first in 10 years – pushed hard after conceding the fourth goal, but with too much to do they could not get past a determined Duhail. Yesterday’s triumph not just helped Duhail overcome a disappointing QNB Stars League campaign, where they were a distant second to champions Al Sadd, but it also gave a perfect parting gift to their coach Luis Castro.
Under Portuguese Castro, Duhail won 18 times and lost just thrice in 26 games, but none of the victories would have tasted better than yesterday’s victory over Gharafa. Duhail, who had edged past bitter rivals Sadd in the semi-finals, were in control throughout.
Duhail captain Alomez Ali dedicated the title to departing coach Castro and fans of the club. “We had faced Al Gharafa on two occasions this season and they troubled us a lot. But this time we studied them well and were more than ready to take them on. We were clinical tonight,” the Qatari said.
Before the kick-off, a small ceremony marked the golden jubilee of the Amir Cup with the flags of the past winning teams and previous trophies paraded. With His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani watching, a video tracing the history of the tournament was played on the big screen. Many stars of Qatari football also lined up on the pitch when a medal was presented to the Amir to mark the occasion.
As the crowd barely settled into their seats after a brief ceremony, Duhail could have gone ahead. With just 30 seconds after the start, Olunga shot wide with just goalkeeper Yousuf Hassan Ali to beat.
But Edmilson did not take long to put Duhail on board. The 27-year-old playmaker met a long ball from Toby Alderweireld and slotted in.
Once Edmilson made the breakthrough for Duhail there was no way back for Gharafa, as Castro’s men looked dangerous in every attack. Alderweireld’s long range passes troubled Gharafa all night with the former Tottenham Hotspur defender finding Edmilson and Olunga regularly.
In the 18th minute, Olunga doubled the lead after he slid in a perfect cross from Edmilson for his third Amir Cup goal for the season.
Alderweireld on the other half also put in a brilliant effort, as the Belgian cleared off the line to keep Gharafa’s Sofiane Hanni at bay. That was the closest Gharafa came to scoring as Duhail went into the halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Post the break, Duhail increased the lead after some dazzling play by Edmilson. The midfielder cut inside three Gharafa players before sending it far post to Ismaeel Mohamed, who pulled it back to unmarked Almoez as the Duhail captain found the net with ease.
Gharafa, however, pulled on back in the next minute after Hanni’s clever back flick finding Alaaeldin, who found the bottom right corner with a good finish. Gharafa’s small hopes for a fight back were nipped in the bud as semi-final hero Sassi restored Duhail’s three-goal lead.
With a steep hill to climb, Gharafa gave it their all but Duhail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria was equally up to the task as he made some crucial saves. The match was all but over after Moustafa came off the bench to dink one past Ali in the 85th minute.
“We played our best football in the final,” said Olunga, who scored his 25th goal of the season yesterday. “It’s a special golden jubilee trophy for us and a great way to end the season in which we played very well. We dedicate this title to all Al Duhail fans who have been supporting us. It’s a good moment for us all, the management and players who have put in a lot of hard work,” the Kenyan striker said.
Perfect farewell for me at Al Duhail: Coach Castro
Doha: Al Duhail coach Luis Castro said he could not have asked for a fitting farewell after his side won the Amir Cup title with a clinical 5-1 win over Al Gharafa at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.
Castro left Duhail after Amir Cup triumph yesterday in what was a dream farewell for the Portuguese. “It is a perfect farewell for me at Al Duhail,” an elated Castro said yesterday.
“This Amir Cup victory was very important for us after we missed the league title due to injuries and absences of players. But, overall I achieved a lot here, perhaps I will return one day,” he added.
“The match was not easy as Al Gharafa played with all their strength. But we controlled the match and managed to score goals,” he added.
Duhail defender Karim Boudiaf said:
“We were the best team today, but Gharafa played a good match too. We are happy to win the Amir Cup and also it coincides with the 50th edition of the tournament. The final match was not that easy as the scoreline suggests and we had to make every effort to win.
Duhail coach Luis Castro (right) and captain Almoez Ali pose with the trophy
