The Peninsula
Second Division side Al Shahania pulled off a major upset at the 51st Amir Cup as they stunned Al Wakrah 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to move into the quarter-finals yesterday.
Young goalkeeper Bautista Burke, 20, emerged as the star for Al Shahania, stopping Gelson Dala and captain Mohamed Benyettou’s spot kicks to secure victory for his side in a Round of 16 clash at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Only Mostafa Jalal’s hit was saved by Al Wakrah goalkeeper Mohamed Saeed as the rest of Al Shahania penalty-takers – Niall Mason, Ulises Pascua and Amir Roustaei – were on target during the shootout.
After Burke blocked the first two strikes, Al Wakrah’s Ismail Mahmoud hit the crossbar while Hazem Ahmed hit the ball wide as Al Shahania secured a remarkable win against the Blue Waves, who are currently ranked fourth in Qatar’s top flight QNB Stars League (QSL).
Al Shahania coach Alvaro Mejia, who in a pre-match press conference said his side has the potential to beat Al Wakrah, said it was a well deserved victory.
“It’s an important win for us. The players deserve praise because it was a difficult match. We created opportunities and put up a quality show in defence and attack,” Mejia said after the win.
Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez commended Al Shahania for their fighting spirit.
“I want to congratulate Al Shahania as they worked hard for this win. We have no excuses for this loss and now we must perform well in QSL to compensate this defeat,” said Lopez.
Al Shahania were impressive throughout the regulation time and got into the lead in 50th minute through Amir Roustaei, with Yousuf Abdurisag equalising six minutes later as the game headed straight to shootout as per tournament’s rule.
In the quarter-finals, Al Shahania will meet Al Arabi, who outclassed Al Shamal 3-0 in yesterday’s second Round of 16 match at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
Aron Gunnarsson opened scoring in 29th minute before a late brace by Omar Al Somah (85th, 90+1 minutes) sealed a commanding victory for Younes Ali’s side, who are second in the QSL standings.
Last 8 stage line-up to be completed today
Today’s Round of 16 fixtures will complete the quarter-finals line-up with Al Gharafa looking for a win over Qatar SC at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
“We are well aware of the importance of the Amir Cup, and we are only thinking about winning. We are ready to participate in this tournament, and we have enough experience to deal with Qatar SC,” Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins told reporters yesterday.
Qatar SC coach Youssef Safri said his team will fire on all cylinders to claim victory against Al Gharafa.
“Winning the Amir Cup is more important than the league, and we have the capabilities to beat Al Gharafa. Al Gharafa is a strong and difficult club to face on the pitch, and we will focus on our strengths to overcome them,” the coach said.
In other last 16 game today, Al Ahli and Muaither will square off at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.
“Beating Muaither will not be easy and our strength lies in being focused and cautious. Amir Cup is one of the most important tournaments, and we are ready to fight for qualification to the next round,” said Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic.
Muaither coach Jose Murcia said Al Ahli game will be a good experience for his side.
“Our focus in the current period is on the second division, and facing Al Ahli is a good test for us. We are proud to participate in the toughest tournament in the country, and our goal is to win and show our worth,” he said.