Latest news with #Barsham
Qatar Tribune
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Barsham stars as Al Sadd beat Morocco's Wydad 5-4 on penalties for Al Ahrar Cup
TNN/QNA Doha Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham emerged hero as Al Sadd edged Morocco's Wydad AC 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time to lift the Al Ahrar Cup at the at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday. The friendly between the two teams was also a pre-cursor for Al Sadd ahead of the Doha Bank Stars League (which begins August 14) and the 2025-26 football season . The absorbing shootout saw the first nine strikes from either sides find the net before Barsham cut off Wydad's final kick diving to his right. Earlier, Al Sadd took the lead through striker and skipper Akram Afif in the 56th minute from a penalty kick, before Hamza Al Wasti equalized for Wydad in the 67th minute. The match was at a good technical level from both sides, as Al Sadd took the initiative to attack but collided with an organized defense from Wydad. Al Sadd's new player, Pau Brem, who has come from Barcelona, made a distinguished appearance in terms of possession, as did the movements of Uruguayan midfielder Agustin Soria, in addition to the penetrations of Algerian Youssef Atal in the midfield. Wydad's defence imposed strict control on Al Sadd's front two, Akram Afif and Spaniard Rafa Mujica, making it difficult for them to penetrate the penalty area. Moroccan Nordin Amrabat almost scored from the right side, but Al Sadd defender Pedro blocked his shot in the 30th minute. Afif responded with an attempt on the right side, but the Moroccan side's defenders succeeded in clearing the ball in the 37th minute. The score remained goalless until the end of the first half. In the second session, Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez replaced defender Ahmed Suhail with former Wolfsburg player Paulo Otavio in an attempt to activate the flanks. Algerian Youssef Atal tried to score from inside the penalty area, but was obstructed by Wydad defender Mohamed Rabhi resulting in a scored from the spot to give Al Sadd beating goalkeeper Mehdi Ben Abid to his left. Wydad sought to amend the situation, and an opportunity was available to its Burkinabe player Aziz Ki from a direct free kick from outside the area but Al Sadd goalkeeper Barsham brilliantly cleared the ball away. Wydad's coach made some changes in midfield, bringing in Hamza Al Wasiti and Brazilian defender Guilherme Ferreira. Wydad soon equalized with a header from substitute Hamza El Wasti, who capitalized on a cross from teammate Nordin Amrabat from the right. The goal was awarded after a VAR in the 67th minute. Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos almost put Al Sadd back in the lead with a powerful shot from outside striking zone but Wydad goalkeeper Ben Obaid saved the situation in the 90th minute.
Qatar Living
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Living
Al Sadd lift fourth Qatar Cup title with thrilling win over Al Duhail
Reigning Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd clinched their second trophy of the season — the Qatar Cup — after edging arch-enemies Al Duhail 3-2 in a thrilling penalty shoot-out at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. The two teams had been tied 2-2 at the end of regular time before Sadd went on to clinch their fourth Qatar Cup title in history. Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners and handed over the coveted trophy to Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, brother of decorated high-jumper and reigning Olympic champion Mutaz Essa Barsham, proved to be the hero of the night. He produced two crucial saves in the shootout, diving to his left and then right, to gift the Wolves the title. Al Haydos, Akram Afif, Rafa Mujica, and Claudinho converted their spot-kicks for Al Sadd while Pedro Miguel missed. Meanwhile, Almoez Ali, Edmilson Jr, and Benjamin Bourigeaud were on target for Al Duhail, with Michael Olunga and Karim Boudiaf being denied by Barsham. Duhail started the game strongly, putting Sadd under pressure. Barsham stood as a strong wall, but the Red Knights broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Olunga headed home from a corner. Sadd equalised in the 63rd, through a penalty, after Pedro Miguel was brought down during a corner. Claudinho calmly converted to make it 1-1. However, just three minutes later, Duhail regained the upper hand through Bourigeaud. In the 86th, Mujica rose high to head home Sadd's equaliser. The game went into extra time and then penalty shootouts. Al Sadd made the most of the home advantage to emerge as champions. It was Al Sadd's fourth Qatar Cup title, after winning it in 2017, 2020, and 2021. Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez praised his players for the tough win. 'We played a strong match against a strong team. We were behind twice and came back. I think we deserved the title. It was an enjoyable match for everyone. It went to penalties, and I'm really happy with the players, their performance, and their comeback,' he said. He was all praise for goalkeeper Barsham. 'Barsham was a star. We said if it went to penalties, he would help us and he did. He did it with the national team, and now again with Al Sadd,' Sanchez, who trained Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, said. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Sadd edge Duhail 3-2 on penalties for their 4th Qatar Cup triumph
Tribune News Network Doha Al Sadd claimed their fourth Qatar Cup title, their second trophy of the season following the Qatar Stars League triumph, as they beat arch-rivals Al Duhail 3-2 in a nervy penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, along with President of Al Sadd Club HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, awarded Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos with the trophy. Sheikh Joaan also honoured the winners and runners-up in presence of H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, President of Qatar Football Association, and H.E. Hani Ballan, CEO of Qatar Stars League. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was the hero for Al Sadd as he saved two successive penalty kicks diving first to his left and then to his right. While Hassan Al Haydos, Akram Afif, Rafa Mujica, and Claudinho scored for Al Sadd, Pedro Miguel missed. For Al Duhail, Almoez Ali, Edmilson Jr., and Benjamin Bourigeaud were on target but Michael Olunga and Karim Boudiaf erred. A delighted Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez credited his players for the achievement. 'I'm very happy for our supporters. The players put in an incredible effort. We played against a top team, and it was a great match,' Sanchez said after the win. He also heaped praise on Barsham. 'Barsham once again emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout. We always say: he'll save two, so we just need to score four. It's a privilege to have a goalkeeper like him.' 'We'll celebrate tonight, but tomorrow we start preparing for our next match.' A smiling as always, Barsham said, 'I enjoy penalties. I stay optimistic and fearless,' he said. 'It was a tough match — Al Duhail played really well. Al Duhail made an aggressive start to the match but Al Sadd held fort despite some anxious moments in the opening half. Barsham was instrumental in making a good save here as well. The Red Knights fetched lead in the 49th minute when Olunga headed home a corner kick. Al Sadd hit back in the 63rd minute after Miguel brought down during a corner kick and the referee ruled a penalty. The spot kick was converted by Claudinho 1-1. Al Duhail, however, regained lead three minutes later - opening the attack from the right flank and Benjamin Bourigeaud connected a Bassem Al Rawi cross from in front of the goal while being in line of the defence (2-1). Al Sadd pulled level again (in the 86th minute) as Rafa Mujica leapt high to make a fine header off a Claudinho lob from the left. 2-2 The two extra-time halves failed to break the deadlock and The Wolves eventually prevailed in the shootout on their home turf. The victory left both the Al Sadd players and fans elated. This is Al Sadd's fourth Qatar Cup triumph after 2017, 2020 and 2021, since the tournament's inception in 2014.
