Amir Cup: Al-Gharafa prevail over Al-Sadd on penalties in thrilling quarterfinal clash

Al Gharafa defeated Al Sadd in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their spot in the semifinals, following an intense quarterfinal clash in the 2025 Amir Cup held on Wednesday evening at Al Thumama Stadium.

Al Gharafa secured qualification with a 5-4 win on penalties after the match ended 2-2 in regular and extra time.

The first half ended with Al Gharafa leading 1-0 thanks to a penalty scored by Joselu in the 45+2 minute. In the second half, Yacine Brahimi doubled the lead with another penalty in the 52nd minute. Al Sadd pulled one back when Aron Gunnarsson inadvertently scored an own goal midway through the second half. Then, in the ninth minute of stoppage time, Boualem Khoukhi struck a dramatic equalizer to send the match into extra time and eventually penalties.

In the shootout, Al Gharafa converted through Joselu, Mohammed Muntari, Ferjani Sassi, Aron Gunnarsson, and Jamal Mohammed, while Ahmed Al Janahi missed.

For Al Sadd, successful penalties came from Hassan Al Haydos, Akram Afif, Rafa Mujica, and Boualem Khoukhi. Claudinho and Pedro Miguel missed their attempts.

Al Gharafa will now face Umm Salal in the semifinals, who advanced by defeating Al Shamal in the same round.