Al Sailiya, Al Waab, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Markhiya reach last 16

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Stars League club Al Sailiya escaped a tense showdown, triumphing 5 4 on penalties against Muaither to secure a spot in the Round o...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Stars League club Al Sailiya escaped a tense showdown, triumphing 5-4 on penalties against Muaither to secure a spot in the Round of 16 of the 54th Amir Cup. The preliminary-round clash at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium ended 1-1 after regulation time, sending the contest to a dramatic shootout.

Algeria’s Mohamed Benyettou put Al Sailiya ahead in the 71st minute, while Al Muaither’s Morales struck a dramatic equaliser in the sixth minute of added time to force the contest into a penalty shootout. Al Sailiya were reduced to ten men in the 75th minute after Osama Al Tairi was shown a red card.

Al Waab also advanced to the Round of 16 after securing a 2-0 victory over Lusail in another preliminary-round game. The match was evenly contested, with Lusail, leaders of the Second Division, coming close to scoring early when a powerful effort struck the post.

Al Waab eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute through Osinio Cesar, who created space for himself before netting with a low left-footed shot. The lead was doubled in the second half when Baha Faisal converted from the penalty spot, sealing qualification for Al Waab.

At Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium, Al Kharaitiyat defeated Al Bidaa 2-1 to secure their place in the last 16. It marked the second consecutive season in which Al Kharaitiyat have eliminated their rivals at the same preliminary stage of the Amir Cup.