Al Sadd remained on course for a record-extending 19th Amir Cup crown as they outclassed Umm Salal 3-1 in the quarter-final at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday.
The Juan Manuel Lillo’s side dominated Umm Salal throughout the match particularly in the second half in which they scored all their goals.
Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos showed his set-piece brilliance again, netting the ball in the right corner from a free kick 15 yards outside the box in the 51st minute. Umm Salal goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar despite a full stretch had no chance to stop a fine shot from the seasoned Qatari player.
Qatari playmaker Akram Afif in his second attempt off a rebound after Ababacar blocked his first shot doubled the advantage five minutes later after an assist from Ayoub El Kaabi.
Yaseen Al Bakhit brought Umm Salal back into the match in 82nd minute, exploiting sloppy defending from Boualem Khoukhi to score past Al Sadd goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.
But four minutes later, Umm Salal suffered a setback as they were reduced to 10 man after Adil Rhaili was sent off for his second yellow card in the match.
El Kaabi ended Umm Salal hopes of an equaliser sealing victory with a goal in third minute of stoppage time.
Al Sadd will meet Second Division side Al Shahania in the semi-final on April 24. Al Shahania shocked Al Gharafa on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the second quarter-final on Sunday.
Al Sailiya coach praises players after Al Duhail win
Meanwhile, Al Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zain hailed his team’s victory over defending champions Al Duhail in the third quarter-final on Monday.
The Peregrines gave a gallant show against the hot favourites edging them 5-4 in the penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.
“The players deserve the credit for their strong performance against a top side. The victory is a result of their effort and I congratulate them and the team management for this feat,” said Al Zain, who had lifted the Amir Cup trophy as a player and had the most number of appearances in the tournament.
Al Sailiya will meet Al Arabi in the semi-final on April 25.
“We will do our best to reach the final of the Amir Cup which is very dear to us. But, now we will focus on our upcoming match in the QSL,” said the coach.
Al Sailiya, languishing in the bottom of the QNB Stars League (QSL) standings, will meet Al Rayyan in their next QSL tie on Friday.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo said missed opportunities cost his team a defeat that ended their dream of a trophy clean sweep this season.
“We failed to take advantage of the chances we created. Al Sailiya have always been difficult opponents in Amir Cup matches,” he said.
Al Duhail’s Mohammed Muntari took the match into penalty shootout with a last-gasp header in the match.
“Penalties are always like that and any team can win. I am proud of my players who gave their best in the match,” said Crespo before adding the team will now shift focus on maintaining the lead at top of the QSL.
“We will now focus on our league matches to secure the title,” he said.
Al Duhail, who have already won the Ooredoo Cup and Qatar Cup titles this season, are on top of QSL standings with 42 points, two points ahead of second place Al Arabi.
