Doha: Qatar SC advanced to the Amir Cup final for the first time in 20 years, defeating Al Gharafa 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in a thrilling semi-final at the Al Janoub Stadium.   The Youssef Al Noubi-coached side will meet Al Sadd, the record 18-time champions, in the final match on Friday at Education City Stadium. They demonstrated remarkable determination against favourites Al Gharafa yesterday, securing their second consecutive shootout victory after defeating championship rivals Al Rayyan in the quarter-finals the previous week. As the scores remained equal in extra time after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, Qatar SC held their composure to secure a remarkable victory, with substitute Ali Awad hitting the decisive penalty in front of 14,609 spectators. Captain Yacine Brahimi, missed two penalty shots, including A Gharafa's first effort during the shootout. Fabricio Diaz struck the post, allowing Qatar SC to win after Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar saved Javi Martínez's shot. Previously, all of the goals were scored in the second half after the game remained tied in the first half. Bruno Tabata put Qatar SC ahead with a penalty kick, while Ferjani Sassi and Brahimi gave Al Gharafa the lead until Awad equalized.   In the first half, there was little to differentiate the two teams, with the exception of ball control, which the Cheetahs dominated. Brahimi had put Qatar SC's defenders under strain as he continued to search for the opening goal without success. Tabata, who scored twice in the win over Al Rayyan, took the first shot on goal, but Ababacar easily stopped it with five minutes remaining in the half. After Brahimi generated another opportunity in the first half's extra time, Qatar SC goalkeeper Sataa Abdulnaser Al Abbasi denied a threatening effort from Homam Al Amin from outside the box because Sassi's attempt was too high. The struggle picked up after the break, as Qatar SC seized the lead with Tabata's penalty kick in the 53rd minute, after referee Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim granted them a penalty following a VAR check on Hyunsoo Jang's foul on Sebastian Soria. However, Sassi equalised in just two minutes by heading Ahmed Alganehi's cross from the right. Brahimi's missed penalty following Al Abbasi's foul in the 64th minute deprived Al Gharafa a lead, but the Algerian star quickly compensated with a spectacular strike that put his club ahead nine minutes later. However, in the 83rd minute, Awad equalised for Qatar SC, sending the semi-final into extra time. Gharafa dominated extra time, but goalie Al Abbasi saved them from scoring with numerous fantastic saves as the match went to a penalty shootout, where Qatar SC emerged victorious, celebrating their surprise triumph in style.