Tamara Al Sayed
In a dramatic Qatar Cup 2025 final at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Sadd emerged victorious against fierce rivals Al Duhail, clinching the title after a nail-biting 4–3 penalty shootout win following a 2–2 draw in regulation and extra time.
The intense clash saw both teams push each other to the limits, living up to their reputations as two of Qatar’s football powerhouses. After a goalless first half, Al Duhail’s Kenyan striker Michael Olunga opened the scoring in the 49th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack.
Al Sadd responded in the 63rd minute through Brazilian midfielder Claudinho, who calmly converted a penalty to level the score. However, the parity was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Al Duhail regained the lead as Benjamin Bourigeaud slotted home from close range.
With the match approaching its final minutes, Spanish forward Rafa Mujica rescued Al Sadd with a well-taken goal in the 86th minute, forcing the game into extra time. Despite chances for both sides, the added 30 minutes yielded no further goals, leading to a high-stakes penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Al Sadd’s experience and composure proved decisive. Hassan Al Haydos, Akram Afif, Rafa Mujica, and Claudinho all found the net from the spot. Although Pedro Miguel missed his effort, goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham rose to the occasion with two crucial saves, denying Michael Olunga and Karim Boudiaf, to secure the title for Al Sadd.
The win marked Al Sadd’s fourth Qatar Cup triumph and their second domestic trophy of the season. Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani presented the trophy to Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos amid jubilant scenes.
With this victory, Al Sadd now set their sights on a potential domestic treble as they prepare to face Al Gharafa in the Amir Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Al Duhail, reeling from the narrow defeat, will seek redemption against Al Rayyan in their upcoming cup tie.