Doha: In a tightly contested match at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Sadd secured their spot in the Amir Cup final with a narrow 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Al Duhail, thanks to Akram Afif's decisive 46th-minute strike.
Despite Al Duhail's dominance in the first half, Philippe Coutinho's missed penalty proved costly. Al Sadd wasted no time in the second half, with Afif swiftly capitalizing on a counterattack to score the match's lone goal.
Despite Al Duhail's efforts to equalize, they couldn't convert their chances, leaving the missed penalty as a haunting missed opportunity. Al Sadd, maintaining a disciplined approach, held onto their lead until the final whistle.
This win marks Al Sadd's 29th appearance in the Amir Cup final, showcasing their enduring dominance in the competition, having clinched the title 18 times previously. They now await the winner of the other semi-final between Al Gharafa and Qatar SC.
Reflecting on his tenure with Al Sadd, Baghdad Bounedjah expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support over the years. As he prepares to depart the club after more than eight years, he aims to bid farewell by lifting the Amir Cup.
Looking ahead, Bounedjah emphasized the team's focus on clinching victory in the final, following a hard-fought semifinal encounter.
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