Badji's Penalty Heroics Send Umm Salal Into Amir Cup Semi-Finals Al Ahli Edge Al Shahania In Extra-Time

Doha, Qatar: Goalkeeper Landing Badji was the hero as Umm Salal reached the Amir Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history, pulling off three stunning saves in a dramatic penalty shootout win over Al Shamal at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

The Senegalese shot-stopper denied Baghdad Bounedjah, Younes Belhanda and Mohamed Musa, securing a 3-2 shootout victory after the teams played out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes yesterday.

Al Shamal's goalkeeper Abdallaelrady Elrady briefly kept his side in the contest by blocking Ali Al-Muhannadi's effort, but Victor Lekhal, Antonio Mance and Ahmed Mohammed all converted for Umm Salal to seal a historic win for the Orange Fortress.

Earlier, Naim Sliti had put Al Shamal ahead in the 53rd minute, finishing a swift counter-attack initiated by Omar Mohammed. Umm Salal responded through Mance, who made up for an earlier miss by capitalising on a defensive error from Musa, calmly firing home from the edge of the box. With no breakthrough in extra time, it was Badji who sealed the moment for the ages.

Meanwhile, Al Ahli came from behind to defeat Al Shahania 2-1 in extra time, with Sekou Oumar Yansane scoring the decisive goal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Shahania struck early through Hamdi Naguez, who headed in after Moaz Tawhed's long-range shot struck the crossbar in the 7th minute. Al Ahli pressed for an equaliser, with Yansane narrowly missing before Hamad Mansour finally leveled the score in the 68th minute, finishing neatly after receiving a left-sided cross.

In the 100th minute, Bahaa Mamdouh Ellethy's lofted ball into the box caused confusion, and goalkeeper Shehab Ellethy failed to collect, allowing Yansane to pounce and seal a dramatic win for Al Ahli.

• FIBA World Cup Qatar 2027 qualifiers draw
• Kohli, Rohit exits leave India facing uncertain new era
• Murray splits from tennis great Djokovic

Al Sadd take on Al Gharafa; Al Duhail face Al Rayyan

Today, reigning Qatar Stars League and Qatar Cup champions Al Sadd will face Al Gharafa at Al Thumama Stadium, aiming to reach the semi-finals and stay on course for a domestic treble.

Al Sadd recently lifted their second trophy of the season, edging Al Duhail in a penalty shootout in the Qatar Cup final. Head coach Felix Sanchez said his side is eager to maintain their title-winning momentum.

“We just played a tough Qatar Cup final, and now face a quarter-final against a strong Al Gharafa side. Recovery is key, and we are focused. The players are ready. This match defines our path, and we aim to move forward,” said Sanchez.

Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but said his squad is motivated to end the season on a high.

“The Amir Cup is vital for us. It's the season's last tournament, and we aim to finish strong. The team is motivated, prepared and eager to qualify. We face Al Sadd with ambition and focus – ready to meet the challenge head-on,” Martins said.

Later in the evening, Al Duhail will take on Al Rayyan in the last quarter-final at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Coach Christophe Galtier said Al Duhail are determined to finish the season with silverware after finishing runners-up in both the Qatar Stars League and the Qatar Cup.

“The Amir Cup is crucial, our last chance this season. Al Rayyan are organised and strong. We're confident and focused, not under pressure. The players know this tournament's value,” Galtier said.

Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge said his players are fully motivated and confident heading into the key clash.

“Facing Al Duhail is a tough, defining challenge. The Amir Cup is special and different, and everyone wants it. My players are motivated, ambitious and understand what this tournament means. We respect Al Duhail, but we're ready,” Jorge said.

AMIR CUP 2025

QUARTER-FINALS
RESULTS
Al Ahli 2-1 Al Shahania
Umm Salal 1-1 (3-2 pen) Al Shamal

Today
Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd at Al Thumama Stadium (5:15pm)
Al Rayyan vs Al l Duhail at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:15pm)

MENAFN14052025000063011010ID1109546313