Olunga brace in Al Duhail's win over spirited Sailiya; Al Rayyan rally to overcome challenging Lusail 4-2

Qatar Tribune

05-05-2025

Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Duhail battled past a challenging Al Sailiya, while Al Rayyan rallied to get the better of a spirited young Lusail side in their respective games by a similar scoreline of 4-2 to make it to the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup 2025 football tournament on Monday.
In the first Round of 16 clash of the day at the Khalifa International Stadium, Al Duhail were driven home with a brace from Kenyan striker Michael Olunga against Al Sailiya. Benjamin Bourigeaud (26th minute - penalty), Karim Boudiaf (30th minute), and Olunga (37th & 42nd minute) scored for the Red Knights while both goals for Al Saliya came from Mohamed Benyettou (58th & 79th minute- penalty).
After Al Duhail were denied by the right goal post early in the 5th minute when an Almoez Ali kick hit the bottom, the Red Knights however a while later won a penalty and Bourigeaud made no mistake from the spot to open his team's goal-scoring account.
The second goal, by Boudiaf was a beauty as the strong player struck from just outside the box beating defenders to find an empty net in the left corner.
The combine of Almoez and Olunga worked efficiently as the former sent across a fine cross and Olunga made a fine header to take Al Duhail to 3-0.
Olunga was back in the act five minutes later as he connected a superb cross from Homam Elamin as Al Duhail went into the break at 4-0.
Al Sailiya tried to make a comeback in the second session as Benyettou first connect a superb lob from the right to volley it into the goal and later scored from the spot. A few minutes prior to that, Al Duhail's Ibrahima Bamba tried to flick one over Al Sailiya goalkeeper Nabil Ouennas' head but the custodian leapt high to push the ball away.
The clash under lights at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium between Al Rayyan and Lusail was a thriller for fans as a young Lusail team challenged the Lions' might and led 2-1 at half time.
Al Rayyan had a roaring start as Mohamed Surag shocked the rivals in the very 2nd minute of the match as he sent in a lob from almost 20 yards outside left of the box to beat an already advanced Lusail goalkeeper.
But Lusail hit back through Balla Sangare, who struck in the 11th minute off a penalty strike and much to the delight of the fans, and later returned in the 19th minute to score a brilliant goal on pivot as he chested a pass and then turned about while holding off a defender. His left-footer found the top of the right post before slamming in.
In the 36th minute, Al Duhail's Abdelaziz Hatim broke in to strike but he was ruled off side.
Al Duhail found the equalizer in the 53rd minute of the match as Roger Guedes slotted one into the left corner.
In the 67th min Al Rayyan substituted their star player Rodrigo Tabata, who also went on to become the oldest player to take the field in Amir Cup at age 44 years, 5 months and 16 days.
The Lions' overtook the rivals in the 79th minute as Julian De Sart latched on to a ball after it was punched away and far by the Lusail goalkeeper to send it back into the net from outside the box.
The fourth and final goal of the match for Al Rayyan was produced by Adam Bareiro in the stoppage time (90+1) as he picked on a pass and while being unmarked in the danger zone to strike.
Al Sadd to meet
Al Kharaitiyat
On Tuesday, Al Sadd will play Al Kharaitiyat at the Al Thumama Stadium while Al Gharafa will meet Al Khor at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez, said, 'We've had a great season, but our motivation remains high. Our players are ready, and we must give our best to advance. Al Sadd are the reigning champions and we aim to prove we can win it again. We must give our best against Al Kharaitiyat to achieve victory and qualify for the quarter-finals.'
Al Kharaitiyat coach Rachid Tiberkanine, said, 'Facing Al Sadd is a special and difficult challenge. Despite recent setbacks, our players are eager to perform and show their quality. This match is a great opportunity to prove we deserved promotion and I hope the team enjoys it and delivers a result we can be proud of.'
On meeting Al Khor, Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said, 'The Amir Cup is a fresh opportunity for us. After finishing third in the league, we're determined to compete for the title. The players are focused, motivated, and optimistic. It's been years since Al Gharafa lifted a trophy. We're ready to change that, starting with our first match.'
Al Khor coach Salam Shaker said his team was ready for the fight. 'The Amir Cup is important for every team, and we're ready to give our all against Al Gharafa. It's a tough match, but I believe in our players and their potential. Despite a difficult league season, we'll fight to prove ourselves and aim for a strong performance.'