Al Duhail players celebrate at the end of their AFC Champions League (West) 2022 match against Al Rayyan in an all-Qatar Round of 16 clash at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on Sunday. Photos: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Doha: Al Duhail advanced to the AFC Champions League (West) 2022 quarter-finals after a thrilling 7-6 penalty shootout win over Al Rayyan in an all-Qatar Round of 16 clash at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.
In what was an epic clash, goalkeeper Salah Zakaria emerged as the hero for Hernan Crespo’s side, making a brilliant save from Mouafak Awad hit in Al Rayyan’s seventh attempt during the shootout. The Red Knights mobbed the goalkeeper in jubilation celebrating their return to the last eight stage of the competition for the fourth time in their history and the first time since 2018.
The two sides had played a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes with both the QNB Stars League (QSL) teams scoring goals in extra time.
“We deserved to qualify. It was a long match but our players fought till the end. Al Rayyan were tough but I was not surprised with their performance as it was expected from them at this level,” Crespo said after the match.
“We had possession throughout the match but we did not score in regulation time. But what happened today is an achievement and I am proud of my players, who can make history in this tournament,” he added.
Mohammed Muntari, who came off the bench in 97th minute, broke the deadlock 10 minutes later heading the ball in from Edmilson Junior’s cross from the left – a strike reminiscent of his historic goal for Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2022.
As Crespo’s side was gearing up to cheer their win, Nicolas Cordova’s Al Rayyan made a late fightback through Steven Nzonzi, who fired a half-volley in added time (120+3) of the second extra half after receiving a long ball behind the defence.
The Red Knights were on target through Edmilson Junior, Michael Olunga, Nam Tae-hee, Muntari, Khaled Mohammed, Bassam Al Rawi and Karim Boudiaf during the shootout while Al Rayyan players were also impressive in their spot kicks before Zakaria stopped Awad’s right-footed hit on the left.
Earlier, Al Duhail had clearly dominated the possession and came close to scoring several times following attacks by Youssef Ayman, Almoez Ali and Olunga but Al Rayyan goalkeeper Ivanildo was tough to beat in the first 90 minutes.
Al Rayyan too created chances including a powerful strike from Ivorian forward Yohan Boli that Zakaria defended well with a diving save.
After a goal from Edmilson Junior was disallowed by VAR, Olunga tapped into an open net following a ball from Tae-hee but the flag had already gone up, deeming the Korean midfielder offside as the game headed into extra time.
Edmilson Junior, who was declared best player of the match, said: “It’s an important victory, and I am happier because I contributed for this victory soon after returning from injury.”
“I am playing here for five years and participated in most of the team's matches in the Champions League. We have a different team and coaching staff this time and I am very hopeful about our chances in the tournament,” he added.
