Alkass English
Umm Salal made history by reaching the Amir Cup semi-finals for the first time ever, with goalkeeper Landing Badji emerging as the undisputed hero. In a dramatic evening at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, the Senegalese shot-stopper pulled off three sensational saves in a penalty shootout against Al Shamal, securing a 3-2 victory after a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes.
Badji denied Baghdad Bounedjah, Younes Belhanda, and Mohamed Musa from the spot, delivering a performance that will be long remembered by fans of the Orange Fortress. While Al Shamal’s goalkeeper Abdallaelrady Elrady momentarily kept the contest alive by saving Ali Al-Muhannadi’s penalty, successful conversions by Victor Lekhal, Antonio Mance, and Ahmed Mohammed sealed the historic win for Umm Salal.
Earlier in the match, Naim Sliti gave Al Shamal the lead in the 53rd minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack sparked by Omar Mohammed. Mance, who had missed a key chance earlier, made amends by punishing a defensive error and slotting in the equaliser from the edge of the box. With no further goals in extra time, it was left to Badji to write his name into club folklore.
At Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Al Ahli came from behind to defeat Al Shahania 2-1 in extra time. Hamdi Naguez opened the scoring for Al Shahania in the 7th minute, heading home after Moaz Tawhed’s long-range effort struck the crossbar. Al Ahli’s persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Hamad Mansour equalised with a composed finish following a precise cross.
The decisive moment came in the 100th minute, when a lofted ball into the box from Bahaa Mamdouh Ellethy caused confusion in the Al Shahania defence. Goalkeeper Shehab Ellethy failed to collect, allowing Sekou Oumar Yansane to pounce and secure Al Ahli’s place in the semi-finals.
Today’s action will determine the remaining two semi-final spots. At Al Thumama Stadium, reigning Qatar Stars League and Qatar Cup champions Al Sadd take on Al Gharafa. Fresh off their Qatar Cup final triumph over Al Duhail, Al Sadd are eyeing a domestic treble. Head coach Felix Sanchez emphasized the importance of recovery and focus, calling the quarter-final “a match that defines our path.”
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins acknowledged the challenge ahead but said his team is eager to finish the season strong. With the Amir Cup being their final shot at silverware, Martins stressed the team's motivation and belief in upsetting the champions.
Later in the evening, Al Duhail face off against Al Rayyan at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Duhail, having finished as runners-up in both the league and the Qatar Cup, see the Amir Cup as their last chance for silverware. Coach Christophe Galtier expressed confidence in his side, calling the tournament "crucial."
Al Rayyan head coach Artur Jorge echoed the sentiment, highlighting the prestige of the Amir Cup and the team’s readiness for the decisive clash. Describing the match as a defining challenge, Jorge said his players are fully motivated and understand the significance of the occasion.
Amir Cup 2025 – Quarter-Final Results:
Al Ahli 2–1 Al Shahania
Umm Salal 1–1 (3–2 pens) Al Shamal
Today’s Fixtures:
Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd – Al Thumama Stadium (5:15 PM)
Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:15 PM)