Al-Sadd win inaugural Ahrar Cup after beating Wydad on penalties
Al Sadd were crowned Ahrar Cup champions after defeating Morocco’s Wydad 5–4 on penalties in an exciting friendly match at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The game ended 1–1 in regular time.
The first half finished goalless despite several attempts, especially from Al Sadd. In the second half, Akram Afif scored for Al Sadd in the 55th minute from the penalty spot, before Hamza El-Wasti equalised for Wydad in the 67th minute.
In the shootout, Al Sadd sealed the title with successful spot kicks from Hassan Al-Haydos, Claudinho, Guilherme Torres, Boualem Khoukhi, and Agustín Soria. For Wydad, Noureddine Amrabat, Amine Fettouh, Hamza Al-Wasati, and Oussama Zemrouri converted, while Chamseddine Al-Alali missed the fifth penalty.
The match was organised by Al Sadd as part of their preparations for the new season following a pre-season training camp in Málaga, Spain — the same reason Wydad took part, ahead of the Moroccan league’s start.
Head coach Félix Sánchez included new signings Agustín Soria and Pau Prim in the starting line-up to build greater cohesion before the Stars League kicks off.
