Al Ahli edge Qatar SC to make Amir Cup quarterfinals

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Sports Club put in a mighty effort but Mohamed Salim’s defensive mistake sealed their fate as Al Ahli booked their berth in the quarterfinals of the Amir Cup with a 1-0 victory at Al Gharafa Stadium on Saturday.

Ahli had an impressive QNB Stars League campaign where they finished fifth while Qatar SC needed the relegation play-off to stay in the premier division, but on Saturday, Samuel Eto’o’s side gave a fighting account of themselves.

They did not allow Ahli much space to operate and were comfortable defensively for the most part of the first half.

Nigel De Jong’s freekick that brushed the outer side of the bar and Mouhcine Moutouali’s scuffed shot were the only danger to their goal in the first 45 minutes.

Just when Qatar SC thought they would go for the break with their goal intact, defender Salim made a mess of an innocuous cross into the box in first-half added time ended up conceding a penalty for handling the ball.

Moutouali sent keeper Jassem Adel the wrong way from the spot to make it 1-0.

Qatar SC desperately looked for an equaliser in the second half, with Ahmed Moen playing a stellar game in the midfield but their forward line led by Eto’o who is well past his prime lacked the necessary bite to make inroads in Ahli defence.

Ahli will take on Al Sailiya in the quarterfinals.

Earlier Al Shahania came back from a goal down to thrash Al Markhiya 4-1 and book their berth in the last eight.

Shahania will take on Al Duhail SC in the quarterfinals.