Al Arabi storm into Amir Cup semis with impressive win

Al Arabi yesterday delivered a commanding show to become the first side to reach the semi-finals of Amir Cup 2020 with a thumping 3-0 win over Al Ahli at Al Duhail Stadium.

Pierre Michelle Lasogga emerged as a star for Al Arabi with a brace of goals in the first half, becoming the first German player to score more than a single goal for any Qatari club.

Qatar U-23 player Khalifa Al Malki was also on target in the second half as the ‘The Red Devils’ secured their emphatic victory in the first quarter-final.

A good defense and availing most of their opportunities proved to be the key for Al Arabi against Al Ahli, who also displayed a spirited performance in yesterday’s game.

With the win, Al Arabi - the eight-time champions of the prestigious tournament - achieved their first target in the event, which was to reach to the semi-finals of the event, according to their coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.

But Al Ahli, who were seeking an upset over Al Arabi, started on a better note, making several moves in the first few minutes before Al Arabi took control of the match with a goal in the 6th minute.

A former German U-21 player, Lasogga made no mistake after he up picked a pass from captain Ahmed Fathi’s outside the box with just Al Ahli goalkpeer Ivanildo Rodrguesdos to beat, which he did in style with a flick to the left.

The next few minutes after the opener brought plenty of action as Al Ahli tried to open their account, making repeated attacks.

Abel Mathias broke inside the box to give Al Arabi scare but was not given much room by their defenders. With clock reaching 10 minutes, Al Ahli had already won three corners. The exchange of attacks continued with Al Arabi relying more on the counter attacks, and in one of their moves they were able to double the lead.

It was Lasogga again who did the damage in one of those attacks in the 22nd minute. Abdullah Issa’s shot from close range struck the pole with the German getting a ball in a good position on a rebound, and he was on target again firing past a diving Rodriguesdos.

With a 2-0 lead, Al Arabi gained confidence and took Al Ahli under pressure with more attacks.

Hamdi Harbaoui could have added another goal for Al Arabi with a push from a close range but Rodriguesdos was right behind it this time.

In the 34th minute, Al Ahli captain Nabil El Zhar broke inside the box but found himself surrounded by Al Arabi defenders. Al Ahli also won a free hit just outside the box but failed to pose a threat to a solid Al Arabi defense.

Al Ahli created more chances but lacked execution and went to the half-time with a double deficit.

At half-time, Al Arabi had six shots on target with 52 percent ball possession as compared to Al Ahli’s three shots on target from five attempts.

The second half almost brought the same action with Al Arabi scoring one more goal in the 69th minute for a 3-0 victory.

Al Malki’s angular push following an attack from right wing was connected by Al Ahli’s Mohammed Khalid but it was not enough as the ball, which was too high for goalkeeper Rodriguesdos, landed in the net.

Al Ahli continued to look for a consolation goal with more attacks. With just five minutes left, Mohamed Diame fast shot was blocked by Al Arabi goalkeeper Mahmoud Ibrahim Abunada. Hernan Beers also got an opportunity as regulation time neared its end but his shot was too high as Al Arabi sealed their commending win.

Today, Al Rayyan will take on Al Markhiya in the second quarter-final at Al Sadd Stadium.