25-05-2025
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.'
