Qatar Football AssociationNews
07.05.2016 14:25 in :

DOHA: The 2016 Workers Cup drew to a spectacular close on Friday
evening at a near-capacity Al Ahli Sports Club Stadium, as Taleb Group
claimed the fourth edition of the annual tournament with a 3-1 penalty
shoot-out win over Gulf Contracting.

The game finished goalless at the end of regulation time, and it was
left to the drama of a shoot-out to decide the victor. And after wild
scenes of celebrations, Taleb Group received the trophy from Supreme
Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Secretary General Hassan Al
Thawadi and Qatar Stars League (QSL) CEO Hani Ballan.

In the presence of the Ambassadors and Heads of Mission to Qatar of
Bangladesh, Germany, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the UK and USA – as well
as the Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy and a host of
other dignitaries and officials from the country’s football community
and renowned five-time World Cup coach Bora Milutinovic – both teams
had chances to win the match in normal time.

The closely fought final ended in a goalless stalemate but was
entertaining throughout, played in front of an exuberant crowd, with
each side represented handsomely.

In the ensuing penalties it was Taleb Group that held their nerve and
clinched the trophy, resulting in ecstatic celebrations among the
players and fans.

SC Secretary GeneralAl Thawadi handed over the winning trophy and said
after the match: “The final was an amazing event. The passion of the
players, fans and the coaches was incredible. This tournament is an
example of how football brings people together.”

He continued: “It was a privilege to see these players enjoy
themselves and compete so fiercely and I hope the experience will live
with both the winners and runners-up for a long time. There is no
question this has been the most successful Workers Cup to date and we
look forward to making it bigger and better next year.”

QSL CEO Ballan also congratulated the winners, saying: “The QSL is
proud to have played such an important part in the continued success
of the Workers Cup. I hope the players have enjoyed just a small taste
of what our players experience every day. Football is for everyone and
this tournament demonstrates the importance of the sport across all
communities in Qatar.”

Meanwhile Kenneth Boafo, the captain of the winning team, was ecstatic
after lifting the trophies into the sky. He said: “This has been an
incredible achievement for our team and we’d like the thank the
organisers for putting on such a fantastic tournament.”

He added: “In the penalty shoot-out I thought we were going to lose it
but then to go and lift the trophy – in our first appearance in this
tournament, is something that I will never forget. We will be back
next year and looking to defend our trophy for sure.”