Doha: Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd have set up a thrilling Amir Cup semi-final clash against their fierce rivals Al Duhail. Both teams faced tough challenges in their quarter-final matches yesterday. Baghdad Bounedjah’s 20th-minute goal was crucial as Al Sadd narrowly defeated Qatar Cup champions Al Wakrah at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. Earlier in the day, Al Duhail secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Al Arabi at the Al Janoub Stadium. The match between Al Sadd and Al Wakrah was intensely competitive, with Wakrah pressing hard for goals, particularly in the first half. Al Sadd’s robust defense and goalkeeper Mishal Barshim’s outstanding performance prevented any goals against them. A controversial moment arose when VAR disallowed a header by Bounedjah due to a foul by the Algerian on an Al Wakrah defender. In the earlier match, Michael Olunga scored twice in Al Duhail’s thrilling 3-2 win over Al Arabi. Philippe Coutinho also found the net for the Red Knights, while Youssef Msakni scored both goals for Al Arabi. Despite conceding an early goal to Msakni in the third minute, Duhail quickly equalized with Olunga’s header in the eighth minute. Arabi regained the lead two minutes later with another Msakni goal following a pass from Jassim Jaber. Duhail leveled the score again with Coutinho’s goal in the 25th minute, assisted by Almoez Ali, ensuring the teams were tied at halftime. In the second half, Duhail maintained their offensive pressure and took the lead following a mistake by Senegalese defender Abdou Diallo. His misjudged pass to Ismail Mohamed allowed Mohamed to cross for Olunga, who confidently scored. Despite Al Arabi's efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to score again. Syrian striker Omar Al-Somah came close, but his shot was blocked by Al Duhail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria. In other quarter-final matches today, Al Rayyan will face Qatar SC at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, while Al Gharafa will take on Umm Salal at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Rayyan enters their match with confidence after a 4-1 thrashing of Al Khor in the round of 16 last week. Rayyan coach Leonardo Jardim anticipates a tough match but is confident in his team’s ability to secure a victory against Qatar SC.