Al‑Gharafa 4–1 Al‑Sadd – Qatar Amir Cup

Al‑Gharafa produced a stunning performance to overwhelm Al‑Sadd 4–1 in the Qatar Amir Cup on 9 May 2026, securing a place in the quarter‑finals. The first half was a tight affair, but a second‑half masterclass from the Gharafa attack, led by Joselu’s brace, left Al‑Sadd shell‑shocked. The result ended Al‑Sadd’s hopes of a domestic cup double for this season.

Match Overview

The encounter at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out. Al‑Sadd, the more decorated side, dominated possession early but could not break down a disciplined Al‑Gharafa defence. The breakthrough came just before half‑time, and the floodgates opened after the restart.

Key Moments

• 42' – Goal Al‑Gharafa (1–0): A corner was only partially cleared, and Ferjani Sassi volleyed home from 12 yards.
• 55' – Goal Al‑Sadd (1–1): Baghdad Bounedjah equalised with a clinical finish after a defence‑splitting pass from Hassan Al‑Haydos.
• 62' – Goal Al‑Gharafa (2–1): Joselu rose highest to head in a cross from Ahmed Alaaeldin.
• 74' – Goal Al‑Gharafa (3–1): Joselu scored his second after a swift counter‑attack, slotting past the goalkeeper.
• 89' – Goal Al‑Gharafa (4–1): Substitute Yacine Brahimi added a late fourth, curling a shot into the far corner.

Tactical Story

Al‑Gharafa set up in a 4‑4‑2 and looked to soak up pressure before hitting Al‑Sadd on the break. Al‑Sadd’s possession‑based 4‑3‑3 was easily contained by Gharafa’s double pivot of Sassi and Luiz Júnior. After Al‑Sadd equalised, Gharafa pushed higher and exploited the spaces left behind Al‑Sadd’s advancing full‑backs. Joselu’s movement caused constant problems for Al‑Sadd’s centre‑backs.

Standout Players

Joselu was the star, scoring twice and leading the line superbly. Ferjani Sassi also impressed with his energy and long‑range strike. For Al‑Sadd, Hassan Al‑Haydos showed flashes of brilliance, but the team’s defensive lapses were unforgivable at this level. Al‑Gharafa goalkeeper Yousef Hassan made several key saves to keep his side in front.

Season Impact

Al‑Gharafa advanced to the quarter‑finals of the Amir Cup, where they will face Al‑Ahli. For Al‑Sadd, this was a bitter end to their cup campaign, and they must now focus on retaining their league title, where they hold a four‑point lead with five games remaining.