(MENAFN- The Peninsula) fawad hussain |
The Peninsula
Al Arabi yesterday moved into the semi-final of the 51st Amir Cup after outclassing Muaither 2-0 at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, yesterday.
Prior to the match, coach Younes Ali set the Dream Team a target of reaching the final of the prestigious tournament, and they responded with a strong show against the Second Division side to step closer to achieving their target.
Rafinha fired Al Arabi ahead with a strike from close range in the 12th minute after an assist from Omar Al Somah, who picked a corner kick.
After having his 64th minute goal ruled out by VAR for Helal Mohamed's offside, Al Arabi star Youssef Msakni rounded off the victory with a hit from edge of the box in 71st minute.
The Dream Team dominated the match and could have scored more goals as they took 11 shots on target.
Seeking to become the first Second Division side to reach the Amir Cup semi-final, Muaither also came close to scoring a few times including a dangerous hit on target by Alaaeddine Ajaraie, which was brilliantly saved by Al Arabi goalkeeper Jassim Adel Al Hail in 20th minute.
Meanwhile, Al Gharafa will meet another Second Division side Al Shahania in the second quarter-final at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium tonight.
Pedro Martins' Cheetahs reached the last 8 stage with a 4-1 thumping over Qatar SC and they aim to continue their good run in the tournament.
“We're preparing for our upcoming match against Al Shahania in a positive and upbeat atmosphere. This match is of great importance to both our club and our fans, and it's the most significant one this season,” Martins told reporters at a pre-match press conference.
“Al Shahania is a formidable team from the Second Division, and we must take them seriously and not underestimate any opponent,” he added.
Al Gharafa star Ahmed Al Janahi said the team must remain focused in the knockout match.
“In matches like these, the psychological factor is crucial. Our aim is to secure a spot in the semi-finals and edge closer to winning this prestigious tournament. We need to remain focused to avoid any surprises, and we fully understand the importance of this tournament and every match we play in it,” he said.
Al Shahania qualified for the quarter-finals after pulling off a major shock as they stunned Al Wakrah 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Their coach Alvaro Mejia was hoping for another surprise from his Second Division side.
“I believe in my team. We're up against Al Gharafa, who are really good at both attack and defence. We don't have much time to get ready this season, but we won't use that as an excuse. We're determined to show what we can do on the pitch,” said Mejia.
Al Shahania player Jesus Pascua:“We're mainly focused on the Second Division, which is tough. But we're proud to have made it to the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup, which means a lot to us. We're working hard to make sure we're in good shape - both physically and mentally - for the game against Al Gharafa, so that we can give it our all.”