Al Duhail's Ismail Mohamed celebrates with team-mate Edmilson Jr. after scoring their second goal against Al Sailiya, yesterday.
Doha: Al Duhail crushed Al Sailiya 4-1 in the Amir Cup 2022 quarter-final yesterday as the Luis Castro-coached side set up a semi-final clash with the reigning champions Al Sadd.
The first goal of the match came in the 12th minute through a header by Belgian Toby Alderweireld who took advantage of a corner kick made by Edmilson Jr.
By the 34th minute, Al Duhail managed to double the lead through its player Ismail Mohamed, who scored his team’s second goal by successfully following the pass of his Tunisian colleague Ferjani Sassi.
In the second half, Al Sailiya managed to reduce the deficit in the 54th minute through striker Walter Bwalya, after Muhammad Alaa made a mistake in dealing with a shot. The ball reached the Al Sailiya striker, who put the ball in the net.
However, Al Duhail did not give much time to their opponents to celebrate the goal.
Just three minutes later, Abdul Rahman Muhammad made it 3-1 in favour of Al Duhail with a powerful shot that settled in the far left corner of the Al Sailiya goal.
The Portuguese coach Castro then brought Karim Boudiaf, Assem Madbou and Ali Afif to enhance possession of the ball and control matters, and prevent Al Sailiya from reducing the difference.
The decision to bring in Al Duhail captain Boudiaf paid off as the Qatar international, who returned from an injury, scored their fourth goal in the 76th minute with a header from Nam Tae Hee’s corner kick.
Al Duhail could have made it 5-1 two minutes later when referee Muhammad Ahmed Al Shamri, awarded a penalty kick in favour of the Red Knights, but was later called off after consulting the Video Asistant Referee.
With few minutes to go until full time, Abdul Rahman Fahmy almost scored their fifth goal but was unsuccessful as the encounter marked the departure of Al Sailiya while Al Duhail reached the last four stage.
“We knew that the confrontation would be difficult. We were able to win and present a result that satisfies us and we succeeded in controlling the proceedings and create many opportunities,” Castro said after the match.
On the semi-final clash against the strong Al Sadd team, Castro said that he is not currently thinking about it, given that there is plenty of time to talk about it, and the team is awaiting their last QNB Stars League match in few days.
“We will plan our preparations for the confrontation against Al Sadd. Undoubtedly both Al Sadd and out team are looking forward to reaching the final. For us, we want to continue our journey in the championship and win the title as we have already lost the League title,” Castro said.
Later, at the same venue, Al Gharafa defeated Qatar SC 2-1 to reach the semis.
Amro Surag (24) and Sofiane Hanni (64) scored for the winners while Qatar SC’s only goal was scored by Javi Martinez (57).
The semi-finals will take place on March 14.
