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Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Amir Cup glory for Al Gharafa who beat Al Rayyan 2-1 for eighth title
Tribune News Network Doha Al Gharafa crowned themselves with HH The Amir Cup's glory defeating Al Rayyan 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday. The victory marked Gharafa's first triumph in the prestigious football tournament since 2012, adding another chapter to their storied history. Early goals from Tunisian international Ferjani Sassi and Spanish forward Joselu sealed the win for Pedro Martins' side, while Rayyan's response came through Brazilian Roger Guedes from the penalty spot early in the second half. Gharafa came out of the blocks with intent, applying high pressure and dominating possession from the kickoff. Their aggressive start was rewarded just four minutes in, when Sassi latched onto a pinpoint cross from Ahmed Al Ganehi and calmly slotted home the opener. Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Gharafa continued to dictate the pace, and in the 18th minute, Joselu doubled the lead with a clinical finish off another well-worked delivery from the flank. Rayyan struggled to cope with Gharafa's fluid attacking play in the first half and went into the break trailing 2-0. However, the second half saw a resurgent Rayyan side push forward with purpose. Their efforts paid off in the 49th minute when they were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Yousef Hassan brought down Andre Amaro in the box. Guedes stepped up and converted from the spot to reduce the deficit. Gharafa nearly restored their two-goal cushion moments later, but Rodrigo Mourinho was denied by the woodwork in the 51st minute. The game took a dramatic turn in the 65th minute when Gharafa were reduced to 10 men after Senegalese defender Seydou Sano received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Guedes. Despite the numerical advantage and relentless pressure in the closing stages, Rayyan were unable to break through Gharafa's resilient defence. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations for Gharafa, who lifted the Amir Cup trophy for the eighth time, ending a 13-year wait. Gharafa's Portuguese coach Martins expressed his delight with his side's triumph 'It was a strong and difficult game, just as we expected. We succeeded in imposing ourselves in the first half, threatening their goal and creating several chances before taking a deserved two-goal lead,' he said. He noted that Gharafa did not enter the second half with a defensive mindset despite their two-goal advantage. 'That lead gave us the confidence to push for more in the second half, not just to protect the score. But Al Rayyan managed to reduce the deficit,' Martins said. Martis also addressed the challenges his team faced after going a man down in the 65th minute. 'The match became more difficult after the red card. Playing with ten men in a final is never easy. But we stayed organised, fought for every ball, and the most important thing is that we held on and won the title,' the Gharafa coach said. A historic moment for the team: Sassi Al Gharafa captain Ferjani Sassi called the victory an 'historic moment.' He said: 'It's impossible to describe the feeling of winning this title — it's a historic moment that brings Al Gharafa back to the top after a long absence from the Amir Cup podium.' He praised his teammates, coaching staff, and club management, calling the triumph a collective achievement. 'We truly deserved this win. It caps off a season full of challenges and fierce competition across all tournaments.' Algerian playmaker Yacine Brahimi echoed those sentiments, describing the title as the result of tremendous dedication from everyone involved. 'We're very happy to win this precious trophy. It's the result of a team effort. Without a doubt, winning the Amir Cup is a dream for any player,' Brahimi said. 'I'm proud to have achieved it with this group, especially in front of our amazing fans in such a special final atmosphere.' He dedicated the victory to the supporters and expressed hope that the title would serve as a springboard for future success. 'Everyone gave their all. Every player played his role perfectly. We're ending the season on a high, and this should be a big motivator for us heading into next season, where we aim to win even more.'
South China Morning Post
05-02-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Al-Hilal stay top of Asian Champions League west group as Ronaldo eyes next round
Qatar's Al-Gharafa secured a 1-0 victory over Pakhtakor in Doha on Tuesday to edge closer to a place in the knockout rounds of the Asian Champions League Elite as former champions Al-Hilal thrashed Persepolis 4-1 in Riyadh. In Monday's round of matches, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr defeated the United Arab Emirates' Al-Wasl 4-0 to cement third place in the 12-team group, which is led by Al-Hilal. Ferjani Sassi scored six minutes before halftime to earn Al-Gharafa a win that takes Pedro Martins' side up to seventh in the 12-team standings with one round remaining. The top eight from the two groups, representing West and East Asia, advance to the second round. The East Asian group resumes action next week. Iranian side Persepolis' hopes, meanwhile, suffered a blow as their heavy defeat to the current Saudi Pro League champions saw them drop out of the qualification berths. Al-Gharafa's Ferjani Sassi (left) scored the goal in his team's 1-0 win over Iran's Pakhtakor. Photo: Reuters Ismail Kartal's side now sit in ninth, behind compatriots Esteghlal on goal difference ahead of their meeting with Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Tehran on February 17.
Reuters
04-02-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Sassi strike boosts Al-Gharafa's Asian Champions League prospects
Feb 4 (Reuters) - Qatar's Al-Gharafa secured a 1-0 victory over Pakhtakor in Doha on Tuesday to edge closer to a place in the knockout rounds of the Asian Champions League Elite as former champions Al-Hilal thrashed Persepolis 4-1 in Riyadh. Ferjani Sassi scored six minutes before halftime to earn Al-Gharafa a win that takes Pedro Martins' side up to seventh in the 12-team standings with one round remaining. The top eight in both west and east Asia qualify for the round of 16. Persepolis' hopes, meanwhile, suffered a blow as their heavy defeat to the current Saudi Pro League champions saw them drop out of the qualification berths. Ismail Kartal's side now sit in ninth, behind compatriots Esteghlal on goal difference ahead of their meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Tehran on Feb. 17. Malcom opened the scoring for Al-Hilal, who have already secured their place in the next round, with a solo effort 10 minutes into the game at the Kingdom Arena. The former Barcelona winger picked up possession inside his own half and, with the Persepolis defence backing off, Malcom drove deep into the visitors' territory before sidestepping a pair of defenders and scoring via the inside of the post. Joao Cancelo added the second 15 minutes later when he was granted the space to smash a low right-foot drive into the bottom corner after a weak attempted save by Alexis Guendouz. Salem Al-Dawsari rounded Guendouz to score from a tight angle seven minutes before halftime to net Al-Hilal's third and, in injury time, the captain struck from distance to claim the fourth. Giorgi Gvelesiani scored a late penalty for Persepolis. The win kept Al-Hilal in first place in the standings, ahead of compatriots Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr with Qatar's Al-Sadd in fourth and Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates in fifth. All five have already qualified for March's last 16.
