Qatar Football AssociationEmir Cup
20.05.2018 1:42 in : &
DOHA: Al Duhail on Saturday edged Al Rayyan 2-1 to win the Emir Cup and in the process completed a trophy treble at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Watched by 45,764 spectators that included the FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Karim Boudiaf struck in the 34th while team mate Youssef El Arabi found the net in the 81st minute to complete Al Duhail’s historic win.

Veteran forward Sebastian Soria equalized for Al Rayyan in the 76th minute but El Arabi’s later strike sealed the deal for Al Duhail.

Saturday’s Emir Cup win was the third title for Al Duhail who also won the QNB Stars League title before winning the Qatar Cup at the end of last month.

Al Duhail had the upper hand right from the kick-off, weaving different patterns of plays of using the full width of the pitch to create space in the heart of the Al Rayyan defense.

The QNB Stars League (QSL) champions and Qatar Cup had more accuracy in both the aerial sorties and ground passes with Al Rayyan – seeking their first trophy of the season – missing on the accuracy factor.

Besides enjoying more ball possession the first half, coach Djamel Belmadi’s side forced six flag kicks in contrast to Al Rayyan’s two.

Soon after the half-hour mark, Bu Daif produced a curling shot from 25 yards. The ball sailed past Al Rayyan goalkeeper Omar Barry and crashed into the net.

Al Rayyan midfielder Rodrigo Tabata, who was well policed by the Al Duhail defense, provided sparks with his dashing runs but it was Soria who headed home from close range for his side’s equaliser.

But there was no denying El Arabi who scored the winner from a close-range tap. It was his 29th goal of the season for Djamel Belmadi’s side that went unbeaten in the season.

The football season has practically come to a close after nine months of non-stop action.

The new football season will kick off in August.