After 20 years of absence… Qatar is in the final!

Qatar SC reached the final of the Qatar Cup for the first time since 2004 after defeating Al Gharafa 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in both regular and extra time yesterday, Sunday, in the semi-finals. They will face Al Sadd, who had beaten Al Duhail 1-0 the day before.

Qatar SC’s return to the final marks their first appearance in 20 years since losing to Al Rayyan 3-2 in the 2004 edition. They will meet Al Sadd in the final for the first time since their 2001 final encounter.

Qatar SC took the lead with a penalty after a foul by Brazilian-Serbian defender Lyanco Vojnovic on Sebastián Soria, which Brazilian Bruno Tabata successfully converted in the 53rd minute.

Al Gharafa responded quickly, with Tunisian Ferjani Sassi equalizing from a well-placed header following a cross from Ahmed Al-Ganehi in the 55th minute.
Al Gharafa had the chance to go ahead when Algerian Yacine Brahimi won a penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Satea Al-Abbasi. However, Brahimi missed the penalty, shooting over the bar in the 62nd minute.
Brahimi redeemed himself by scoring the second goal with a powerful shot after a solo run into the box in the 73rd minute.

Qatar SC leveled the score again through substitute Ali Awad, who finished with a low shot past Al Gharafa’s goalkeeper after a long pass from Tabata in the 83rd minute. The match went into extra time, which saw no further goals, leading to the penalty shootout, where Qatar SC triumphed 4-3.

Qatar SC coach Youssef Al-Noubi said, “We achieved a historic accomplishment by defeating Al Gharafa and reaching the final, returning to compete for the title after a 20-year absence. The players showed great fighting spirit to secure the final spot against a strong team.”

He emphasized, “The final has its unique nature, and the match against Al Sadd will be tough. We will enter it with a strong desire to achieve the championship.”

Qatar SC will face Al Sadd in the final next Friday at Education City Stadium.