Al Sadd players during a training session yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd and Al Gharafa are gearing up for a blockbuster Amir Cup final at Khalifa International Stadium tomorrow, with a packed crowd expected for Qatar’s most prestigious domestic football showpiece.
Fresh from clinching their 19th Qatar Stars League title, Roberto Mancini’s Al Sadd head into the final as strong contenders after an impressive cup run. The Wolves edged Al Shamal 6-4 in a thrilling quarter-final before outclassing arch-rivals Al Duhail 4-1 in the semi-finals.
But finals often follow a different script, and defending champions Al Gharafa will be confident of retaining their crown. Pedro Martins’ side, who defeated Al Rayyan 2-1 in last year’s final, booked their place in a second successive final after overcoming Umm Salal and Al Wakrah.
The clash gives Al Sadd the chance to lift a record-extending 20th Amir Cup title, while Al Gharafa are chasing a ninth crown, having previously won five titles as Al Ittihad.
With Al Sadd already assured of AFC Champions League Elite qualification as QSL champions, the final also carries added motivation for Al Gharafa, who can seal a place in Asia’s premier club competition with victory.
Both sides arrive with strong squads and attacking quality, setting the stage for a high-intensity contest.
Al Sadd boast a star-studded attack featuring Roberto Firmino, Rafa Mujica and Akram Afif, all in fine form. Veteran Hassan Al Haydos, Yousuf Abdurisag and Hashim Ali add further depth to Mancini’s options.
In defence, goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham leads a solid backline including Romain Saiss, Tarek Salman, Paulo Otavio and Boualem Khoukhi.
Al Gharafa players take part in a training session.
Al Gharafa have shown resilience despite injury setbacks to key players including Joselu and Mohammed Muntari. Algerian playmaker Yacine Brahimi is expected to lead the attack, supported by Ferjani Sassi in midfield.
Goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar could again be decisive after his standout semi-final performance against Al Wakrah, where he saved two penalties in a shootout win following a goalless draw.
Al Haydos, who scored a long-range strike against Al Duhail in the semi-final, said Al Sadd are determined to reclaim the trophy.
“The Amir Cup is the most precious cup and our favourite tournament, and we always strive to be in the final and compete for the title. I hope that we will continue with the same spirit in the final against Al Gharafa in order to win the title,” he said.
Khoukhi, meanwhile, expects a tight contest.
“The final will be different, and I see it as 50 percent for each team, especially since Al Gharafa is a strong team with great potential,” he said.
“The fans will enjoy the match, and we hope to achieve victory and win the title.”
After finishing fourth in the QSL, Al Gharafa are aiming to end the season on a high by successfully defending their title. Forward Ahmed Al Ganehi stressed the importance of focus.
“Playing in the final is an honour for every player, and we as players must be focused and deal with the match intelligently to achieve victory in a difficult match,” he said.
The two teams are scheduled to hold their official training sessions at Khalifa International Stadium this evening.
Overwhelming response to ticket sales
Meanwhile, the Qatar Football Association yesterday announced that 75 percent of tickets for the over 45,000-capacity stadium had been sold, with the remaining tickets expected to be snapped up ahead of tomorrow’s 5:30pm kick-off.
Referee Abdullah Al-Athba will officiate the final, supported by assistant referees Youssef Aref and Zahi Al-Shammari, while Nasser Ayesh has been appointed fourth official. VAR duties will be handled by Mishari Al-Shammari, assisted by Mohammed Al-Sharif and Talib Salem.
The Local Organising Committee has confirmed full readiness for the final, which also marks 50 years since the inauguration of Khalifa International Stadium in 1976.
Organisers have urged fans to arrive early, with gates opening at 2:30pm. Entertainment and cultural activities will be staged at the fan zone, while supporters are encouraged to use the Doha Metro, with Sports City Station on the Gold Line providing direct access to the venue.
RECENT AMIR CUP FINALS
2025: Al Gharafa 2–1 Al Rayyan
2024: Al Sadd 1–0 Qatar SC
2023: Al Arabi 3–0 Al Sadd
2022: Al Duhail 5–1 Al Gharafa
2021: Al Sadd 1–1 Al Rayyan
(aet, 5–4 pens)
2020: Al Sadd 2–1 Al Arabi
2019: Al Duhail 4–1 Al Sadd
2018: Al Duhail 2–1 Al Rayyan
2017: Al Sadd 2–1 Al Rayyan
2016: Lekhwiya 2–2 Al Sadd
(aet, 4–2 pens)
2015: Al Sadd 2–1 El Jaish
2014: Al Sadd 3–0 Al Sailiya
2013: Al Rayyan 2–1 Al Sadd
2012: Al Gharafa 0–0 Al Sadd
(aet, 4–3 pens)
2011: Al Rayyan 2–1 Al Gharafa
2010: Al Rayyan 1–0 Umm Salal
