Al Rayyan players celebrate their win over Al Shamal.
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan defeated Al Shamal 5-4 on penalties after a gripping 3-3 draw at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium to set up a mouth-watering Qatar Cup final against defending champions Al Sadd on December 11.
Al Sadd defeated Al Gharafa 2-1 in the first semi-final. The final will also be played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Roger Guedes put Al Rayyan ahead in the 24th minute, striking from the centre of the box after a low cross from Daoud Soliman.
Al Shamal responded strongly, with Wesley Said equalising just three minutes later after dispossessing Andre Amaro and comfortably slotting the ball past Mahmoud Abunada.
Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane put Al Shamal in front in the 54th minute after latching onto a through pass from Said, who then scored his second nine minutes later.
Guedes pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 74th minute before Julien de Sart levelled the score in the sixth minute of stoppage time, finishing from Guedes’ assist.
Al Sadd's Mohamed Manai celebrates after scoring against Al Gharafa.
Baghdad Bounedjah appeared to win it for Al Shamal a minute later, sparking wild celebrations, but the goal was disallowed for a foul, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
Abunada saved Fahad Waad’s effort, while Romdhane scooped his shot over the bar as Al Rayyan held their nerve. Andre Amaro then converted the decisive penalty to seal a thrilling victory.
Al Sadd fight back to down Al Gharafa
Eyeing their 10th crown, Al Sadd had to come from behind after Frank Magri fired Al Gharafa into a 14th-minute lead at Khalifa International Stadium.
Yacine Brahimi set up the goal, picking out Magri with a back pass before the Cameroonian international finished with a delicate side-footed touch.
Al Sadd piled on the pressure and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Hashim Ali clinically slotted the ball into the right corner from the edge of the box following a corner kick.
The Wolves went ahead two minutes before half-time, with Akram Afif crafting the goal after a run from the left. He sent the ball to Mohamed Manai, who finished with a backheel flick from the centre of the box.
As Al Gharafa searched for an equaliser, Magri squandered a good chance by sending his effort well over the bar, while a header from Ferjani Sassi went just wide.
Al Gharafa suffered another setback with three minutes remaining when Rayyan Al-Ali was sent off for pushing goal-bound Hasan Al Haydos. Al Sadd held on to secure their place in the final.
Al Sadd's Hassan Al Haydos (left) celebrates with teammate Guilherme Torres.
Man of the match Saad Al Sheeb said the team showed character to secure the victory and book their place in the final.
“Thank Allah for the victory. We were the better team in the first half, while Al Gharafa were stronger offensively after the break, but the most important thing was to secure the win and reach the final. I thank our fans for their great support.
“Our season is still long and requires full focus, and we will continue giving our best in every tournament to achieve our goals,” he added.
