Al Duhail produced a sterling show to win the landmark 50th edition of the prestigious Amir Cup, crushing Al Gharafa 5-1 in a one-sided final at the Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday.
The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presented the tournament’s golden jubilee trophy to captain Almoez Ali as Al Duhail squad erupted in jubilation, tossing their departing coach Luis Castro into the air, with stunning fireworks in the backdrop marking their historic triumph.
It was like a carnival as fans produced an electrifying atmosphere in the final at the seemingly packed 40,000-seat iconic FIFA World Cup venue, which was limited to 75 percent capacity owing to COVID-19 protocols.
The Red Knights’ dominant performance throughout the match was cherry on the cake for their fans as players responded to their coach’s call to avoid mistakes with a near-perfect performance.
A fast start helped Al Duhail – also the winners of 2016, 2018 and 2019 editions – to claim an early lead through star-of-the-final Edmilson Junior in the sixth minute before an in-form Michael Olunga doubled the lead in the 18th minute.
After Almoez extended the lead in the 52nd minute, Al Gharafa made a brief fightback through Ahmed Alaaeildin’s goal the next minute. But goals from Ferjani Sassi (58th minute) and substitute Abdelrhman Moustafa (85’) took the game away from Andrea Stramaccioni-coached Al Gharafa.
The Cheetahs, who were phenomenal in their 4-1 victory over Al Wakrah in the semi-final, were not up to the mark as they missed several good chances and made errors in defence.
“It’s a great moment for us,” said captain Almoez.
“We played Al Gharafa twice this season and they created a lot of problem for us. But, today we came well prepared against them and managed to score early goals, which helped us a lot.”
Olunga, who was instrumental for Al Duhail this season, was ecstatic after the win.
“We played best football in the final,” an overjoyed Olunga said.
“It’s a special golden jubilee trophy for us and a great way to end the season in which we played very well. We dedicate this title to all Al Duhail fans, who have been supporting us. It’s a good moment for us all, the management and players who have put a lot of hardwork,” he added.
With Almoez back in the starting XI, the Reds Knights took an early control of the match as QNB Stars League’s (QSL) leading scorer with 24 goals Olunga took a shot only seconds after the kick off.
Edmilson, who played role in almost every Al Duhail goal yesterday, grabbed an early lead after he received a long ball from Toby Alderweireld near the box. The Belgian after a comfortable run towards the goal netted the ball past goalkeeper Yousof Hassan after a strike from right.
The Red Knights continued to be on the driving seat as Al Gharafa struggled to take ball possession. Olunga could have doubled the lead in the 10th minute but his header from a close range was cleared by Hassan.
In a rare attack from Al Gharafa, Cheick Diabate, who scored two goals against Al Wakrah on Monday, missed a golden chance for an equaliser as he shot wide from a good position.
But Al Duhail were accurate yesterday as Olunga doubled their lead after slotting the ball in from a close range following a cross from Edmilson.
Al Duhail’s domination put Al Gharafa under pressure as they continued to make errors in defence and attack, with Olunga’s another attempt hitting the crossbar.
Castro’s side was impressive in defence too as goalkeeper Salah Zakaria made a splendid save in his first real test yesterday, followed by a solid work from Alderweireld, who avoided the damage by guarding an open goal at the half-hour mark. Al Gharafa missed another opportunity to score when Sofiane Hanni failed to connect a fine cross from Homam Ahmed.
Nam Tae-hee’s superb display inside the box almost extended Al Duhail’s lead but Al Gharafa were lucky to avoid further damage in the first session, heavily dominated by Al Duhail with around 70 percent of ball possession.
The Red Knights resumed in a similar fashion, threatening Al Gharafa’s goal in quest for their third goal and they received it through their captain Almoez, who scored with a right footed strike. Just a minute later, Qatar national Alaaeildin after beating a defender scored Al Gharafa’s only goal of the final from near the penalty spot.
But, Al Duhail soon regained their three-goal advantage, with Sassi chipping in the ball from the edge of the box into Hassan’s right corner.
Zakaria made a brilliant save again from Gabriel Pires attempt from outside the box as Al Gharafa continued to strive for a comeback in the match.
The Red Knights, with their incessant attacks gave no cushion to Al Gharafa for a fightback, with substitute Moustafa sealing the crushing victory with a goal, five minutes before time.
Al Duhail star Karim Boudiaf said: “It wasn’t an easy match against Al Gharafa but we were outstanding.”
“It’s an honour to win this landmark edition. The victory came after a lot of hardwork from the entire squad,” he added.