Amir Cup Offers Last Chance At Silverware This Season For Al Rayyan And Al Gharafa

Doha, Qatar: As the domestic football season winds down, Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa are set to battle for their only remaining chance at silverware – the 53rd Amir Cup final, which will take place at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides had respectable campaigns but failed to secure a trophy in either the Qatar Stars League (QSL) or continental competitions, making the title clash their final and biggest opportunity to end the season on a high.

Al Rayyan finished fifth in the 2024–25 QSL and reached the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League, showing steady improvement under Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, who took over mid-season.

In the Amir Cup, Rayyan progressed by defeating Lusail (4-2), edging out Al Duhail on penalties after a 2-2 draw, and cruising past Al Ahli 3-0 in the semi-finals.

The team, who last lifted the Amir Cup in 2013, will be making their 19th final appearance, seeking a seventh title.

“We started the season with ambitions to win silverware, but unfortunately things didn't go our way. Now the Amir Cup is our last chance and we are just one step away. Our fans make us stronger, and we promise to give our best to make them proud,” said Al Rayyan captain Abdulaziz Hatem after reaching the final.

Meanwhile, Al Gharafa, guided by Pedro Martins in his third season in charge, finished third in the QSL, played the Qatar Cup semi-finals and endured a disappointing run in the AFC Champions League, exiting in the group stage.

Their Amir Cup campaign, however, has been a strong one. They defeated Al Khor, stunned defending champions Al Sadd on penalties following a 2-2 draw, and came from two goals down to beat Umm Salal 4-2 in Monday's semi-final.

“Overall, the journey has been long, and the most important thing in the final is that we must play from the first minute to the last,” said Al Gharafa midfielder Ferjani Sassi following the win.

The Cheetahs are making their 11th Amir Cup final appearance, having previously won the title seven times, most recently in 2012.

The two sides have met five times in the Amir Cup final, with Al Rayyan holding the edge 3–2 in the head-to-head rivalry.

“A final between Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan is always special. They are two of the biggest clubs in Qatar, each with a strong fan base. It's time for Al Gharafa supporters to fill the stadium. I've heard a lot about how passionate our fans are and how they've helped the club win titles in the past. We're counting on their presence,” added Sassi.

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