DOHA: Goal-keeper Ahmad Sufian Abu Nora was the star as Al Kharaitiyat overcame Al Arabi in penalty shoot-outs to enter the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup football tournament at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday.
The 25-year-old Qatari blocked two attempts from the opposition to secure a stunning 4-2 win in tie-breaker, after the score was tied 2-2 in full time.
Al Kharaitiyat revealed their intentions of advancing in the prestigious tournament right from the beginning and took lead in the first minute of the match, with Jarallah Al Mani executing a fine move successfully.
But, the lead didn’t last for long as Al Arabi levelled the score-line just after nine minutes, following a fine display of accuracy by Yousuf Ahmed Ali who brought his side back into the match with a goal. The teams went into the breather with a 1-1 score-line.
Al Kharaitiyat and Al Arabi looked cautious in the second session and exchanged a few attacks with both the sides focusing more on the defense.
However, Hassan Abdel Fattah stunned Al Arabi defense with a slick show in the 81st minute as Al Kharaitiyat regained lead.
Seasoned Paulinho lived up to expectations and brought Al Arabi on level terms, just three minutes after Fattah’s goal. The last few minutes were intense but both the teams avoided any damage to march into the shoot-outs.
Al Kharaitiyat will take on Qatar Stars League champions Al Rayyan in the quarter-finals on May 8.
Al Gharafa also registered a similar victory when they surpassed Umm Salal 4-2 in shoot-outs, following a 1-1 tie after 90 minutes of thrilling football from both the teams.
Meanwhile, Al Sailiya advanced into the next stage with a 2-1 victory over Al Wakrah at Al Arabi Stadium last night.
The other pre-quarterfinal saw Al Ahli entering the next stage with an impressive 3-2 win over Al Khor yesterday.
The Peninsula
