Latest news with #Gharafa
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Amir awards champions Al Gharafa, runners-up Al Rayyan following Amir Cup final
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has awarded the winners, Al Gharafa and runners-up Al Rayyan, of the2025 Amir Cup final played atKhalifa International Stadium. Al Gharafa beat Al Rayyan 2-1 and were crowned champions for the eighth time in the tournament's history. At half timeAl Gharafa led 2-0. HH the Amir handed the Al Gharafa players the cup and gold medals, and handed the Al Rayyan players the silver medals. Al Gharafa's Ahmed Al Janahi won the best player award in the final match which was attended by over 38,000 spectators. The match was attended by Personal Representative of the Amir HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, and a number of Their Excellencies the Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials. It was also attended by President of the International Olympic Committee Dr Thomas Bach, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Syrian Arab Republic Mohammad Sameh Al Hamid, a number of heads of Arab and international sports federations, members of the press and media, and football fans.
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.'
Qatar Tribune
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Gharafa beat Al Rayyan 2-1 to claim Amir Cup
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. A comeback effort via a 50th minute penalty strike from Roger Guedes wasn't enough for Al Rayyan to overcome The Cheetahs, who despite being down to ten-men in the 64th minute went to claim their eighth Amir Cup title. Ferjani Sassi (4th minute) and Joselu (18th minute) scored the goals for Al Gharafa. The victory marked Gharafa's first triumph in the prestigious football tournament since 2012, adding another chapter to their storied history. Al 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.
Qatar Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Gharafa beat Umm Salal 4-2 to book Amir Cup final berth
Tribune News Network Doha Al Gharafa booked their place in the Amir Cup final with a pulsating 4–2 win over Umm Salal in the semi-finals on Monday night at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium. Gharafa will face Al Rayyan in what promises to be a thrilling final on May 24 at the Khalifa International Stadium. In a dramatic first half, Umm Salal raced to a 2–0 lead through Othman al-Yahri and an own goal by Aron Gunnarsson. But Al Gharafa roared back before the break — former Real Madrid forward Joselu halved the deficit five minutes before halftime, before substitute Mohammed Muntari struck the equaliser. Moments later, Yacine Brahimi calmly converted a penalty to give Al Gharafa a 3–2 lead heading into the interval. Muntari added his second of the night in the second half to seal a memorable win for Al Gharafa, who will now face Al Rayyan in the final of the 53rd edition of Qatar's most prestigious tournament. The final promises fireworks as both teams look to add to their trophy haul. It will be the fourth Amir Cup meeting between the two sides, with Al Gharafa having won the most recent clash 4–2 in last year's quarter-finals. Al Gharafa winger Ahmed Al Ganehi admitted his side made things difficult for themselves early on, but praised the team's fighting spirit. 'It was a tough match. We gave Umm Salal the lead due to our mistakes, but we bounced back beautifully,' he said. 'Winning this prestigious trophy is a dream for all of us. There's one more obstacle ahead. The final will be tough, but we promise our fans that we'll give everything to win the Amir Cup. I hope even more fans will come out to support us in the final.' Al Gharafa will face Al Rayyan in what promises to be a thrilling final. The two sides have a storied rivalry in the Amir Cup, with this being their fourth meeting in the competition. Their most notable clash came in the 2008 final, where Al Rayyan emerged victorious. In the 2016 edition, Al Gharafa edged past Al Rayyan on penalties in the third round. Most recently, Al Gharafa defeated Al Rayyan 4–2 in last year's quarter-finals. Tickets on sale for final Meanwhile, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has released tickets for the Amir Cup a move to ensure accessibility for all, ticket prices have been structured to accommodate different budgets. First Class tickets are priced at QR50, Second Class at QR30 and Third Class at just QR10. Each individual can purchase up to ten tickets, and a variety of electronic payment methods are available to facilitate smooth and secure transactions. Fans can book their tickets directly through the official QFA ticketing portal at making the process convenient and user-friendly. Adding to the festive spirit, ticket holders will also have access to a range of pre-match activities designed to enhance the overall fan experience. These include interactive zones, entertainment for families and children, and entry into prize draws with valuable giveaways, courtesy of the tournament's sponsors and partners.
Saudi Gazette
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al Ahli defeat Al Gharafa to seal AFC Champions League Elite knockout berth
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ahli staged a comeback to defeat Al Gharafa 4-2 at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Monday, ending the Qatari side's hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/ Saudi Pro League club moved to the top of the standings with 22 points, three ahead of Al Hilal SFC, who are set to face UAE's Al Wasl on Gharafa, meanwhile, bowed out of the tournament after finishing with just seven points, falling short of a top-eight Gharafa initially took the lead when Joselu converted a penalty following a handball by Matteo Qatari club, needing a win to secure a spot in the Round of 16, pressed forward with early attempts from Rodrigo and Brahimi, but Al Ahli gradually took control of the striker Ivan Toney led Al Ahli's charge, scoring the equalizer in the 21st minute after an initial effort was denied by Al Gharafa goalkeeper Sergio Saudi side doubled their advantage through Roberto Firmino, who finished off a well-placed pass from Ahli extended their lead further when Riyad Mahrez's quick free-kick set up Galeno, whose strike slipped past final blow came just before the hour mark when Mahrez converted a penalty after Jamal Hamed fouled Toney in the Gharafa managed a late consolation goal through Brahimi's penalty in the 80th minute, but it was too little, too late as their campaign came to an end. With this result, Qatar's Al Rayyan SC and Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor secured progression to the knockout stage, with one more West Zone spot yet to be determined.
