Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa advance to Amir Cup quarter-finals

Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd began their quest for a record extending 20th Amir Cup crown with a thrilling 2 1 victory over Al Markhiya in a Round of 16 clash...

Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd began their quest for a record-extending 20th Amir Cup crown with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Al Markhiya in a Round of 16 clash at Grand Hamad Stadium yesterday.

After a goalless first half, Rafa Mujica broke the deadlock in the 75th minute from a penalty and then added a second goal, brilliantly assisted by Akram Afif. Mohamedou Naby Sarr scored Al Markhiya’s only goal in stoppage time, while the excitement reached its peak when a dangerous shot from Al Markhiya struck the post. Al Sadd will face Al Shamal in the quarter-finals.

Defender Ahmed Suhail said: “It was a tough match and we were aware Al Markhiya would put up a strong challenge. We must focus on the upcoming matches, and our ambition is always to compete for every title, especially the most prestigious one.”

At Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan set up a quarter-final clash with Al Wakrah after beating Al Khor 2-0.

Aleksandar Mitrovic gave them an early lead in the 12th minute, and Roger Guedes doubled it in the 43rd. The match also saw Al Khor’s Ambrose Uchebo sent off in the 53rd minute after receiving two yellow cards, one in each half.