Doha [Qatar], September 2: Al Rayyan managed to keep down the challenge from a resurgent Al Shamal 5-4 via shootout to set up Qatar Cup final with Al Sadd, who earlier beat beat Al Gharafa 2-1 on Tuesday.
A large crowd at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium was treated to a thrilling contest as Al Rayyan edged Al Shamal on penalties after a scintillating 3-3 draw in the semi-final.
Al Shamal's Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane shot his kick well over after Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada had made a fine save earlier during the shootout.
Al Shamal goalkeeper Babacar Seck had also made one save but that wasn't enough for the side to get past Al Rayyan.
Earlier in regulation time, the two teams were deadlocked 3-3 after a stoppage-time goal from Al Rayyan's Julien De Sart (90+6 minute). Al Shamal's Baghdad Bounedjah struck in 90+7' but the goal was ruled out by VAR for an earlier foul leading the match into penalties.
Roger Guedes scored a brace for Al Rayyan (24th minute & 74' penalty) while Wesley Said (64th minute and 27th minute) and Romdhane (54th minute) had scored for Al Shamal.
It was goals galore as both teams played attacking football while severely testing the two goalkeepers.
Bounedjah's strike added more drama and thrill for fans before the goal was struck down and penalties were called for.
In the shootout, Alex Collado, Nassim Mubarak, Musaab Khidir and Abdelkarim Fadalla scored for Al Shamal while Fahad Waad and Romdhane missed.
For Al Rayyan, Julien Sart, Wesley Said, Hisham Ali, Guedes and Andre Amaro scored while Gregore De Magalhaes missed.
Al Sadd fight from being a goal down to beat Al Gharafa
At the Khalifa International Stadium, holders Al Sadd sailed into the Qatar Cup 2026 final with a spirited comeback to defeat Al Gharafa 2-1 on Tuesday.
Al Gharafa took lead in the 14th minute when Frank Magri finished clinically after being picked out by a perfect pass from Yacine Brahimi.
The Wolves responded strongly, piling pressure and finding the equalizer in the 26th minute. Hashim Ali unleashed a stunning long-range strike after Al Gharafa had initially cleared a set-piece delivery.
Al Sadd completed the turnaround two minutes before half-time as Akram Afif, who has been in superb form this season, produced a sublime assist for Mohamed Manai, who finished with an exquisite backheel flick.
Al Gharafa's task became tougher in the 87th minute when Rayyan Al Ali was sent off for pushing goal-bound Hasan Al Haydos.
Al Sadd almost added a third goal late on, but Seydou Sano produced a crucial goal-line clearance to maintain Al Gharafa's deficit.
Source: Qatar Tribune
