Amir Cup: Antonucci stars for Al Shahania; Al Ahli edge past QSC with Umaru's late extra-time goal
Doha
Belgian midfielder Francesco Antonucci scored one goal and assisted in another as Al Shahania beat Mesaimeer 2-0 in the opening Amir Cup football Round of 16 match at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday.
In the late clash of the day,Al Ahli needed a late extra-time goal to overcome Qatar SC 1-0 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Substitute Abdulrasheed Umaru smartly chipped in a ball in the 116th minute of the second half of extra time after Oumar Sekou superbly stopped the ball from crossing the goalline and setting it up for the former.
Al Ahli earlier had hit the post in the second half in an absorbing contest.
Al Ahli will now play Al Shahania in the quarter-final
In the day's first match, for Al Shahania, Antonucci struck in the 41st minute, from ten yards from centre of the box and his kick took a defender's boot to balloon over the goalkeeper and into the goal.
Then in 45+3 minute of the game, Antonucci took an angular free kick from outside the box and which was put into the net by Petrus Amersfoort.
Earlier in the 13th minute, and Antonucci goal was disallowed as Amersfoort was found to have handled the ball on VAR.
Mesaimeer had a good chance in the 18th minute to score but Abdelhalim Sharif Mahmoud's kick was staved off by the rival goalkeeper.
On Monday, Al Duhail will meet Al Sailiya at Khalifa International Stadium at 5.15pm while Al Rayyan will play Lusail at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at 8.15pm.
Al Duhail coach Christophe Galtier said his team respects the opposition. 'This is a high-stakes match against a team that's earned promotion and respect. Al Sailiya are dangerous, and the Amir Cup doesn't allow for mistakes. We must be sharp, focused, and ready to deliver,' he said.
'We're entering the Amir Cup knowing it's a knockout —no second chances. Al Sailiya are on a winning run and play with confidence. We've studied Al Sailiya well. Our focus is total, because one slip and we're out. The team understands what's at stake,' he added.
Al Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zain, said it was chance for his young team to prove themselves. 'We know Al Duhail's quality, but this is an opportunity for our young squad to gain experience and prove themselves. We'll give everything to compete at the level expected and represent our progress.
'Our team is still developing, and we have the youngest average age in the league. But our ambitions are big. Competing in the Amir Cup is our right, and we'll approach the Al Duhail match with full belief in our abilities.'
Al Rayyan are also eying the prestigious title and their coach Artur Jorge said the tournament was a chance for the club to make up. 'We weren't up to expectations this season, but we want to add a new title. We've won it six times—this is our chance to make up for the past and show what this club stands for,' he said.
'We're facing Lusail from the second division, but in the Amir Cup, anything can happen. There's no room for complacency. We must treat this like a final—stay focused, play with intensity, and ensure we advance.'
Lusail coach Jacobo Ramallo said his side was ambitious. 'We come from the second division, but we're ambitious and prepared. Facing Al Rayyan is a challenge, no doubt—but it's a cup match, and there's only one acceptable result: winning. The Amir Cup is a prestigious competition, and we're here to compete, not just participate.'
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