Doha: Defending champions Al Gharafa SC advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Amir Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Umm Salal SC in their quarter-final encounter on Friday at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
According to Qatar News Agency, the win secures Al Gharafa's place in the last four of the tournament, where they will face Al Wakrah SC, who earlier defeated Al Rayyan 3-0. Al Gharafa, eight-time champions of the competition, continue their title defense with momentum.
Umm Salal made a dream start, taking the lead in the 8th minute through Micheal Baidoo. The goal followed a strong run by Jean Kouassi, whose initial shot was saved before Baidoo reacted quickest to convert the rebound.
Al Gharafa responded swiftly, leveling the score in the 18th minute. Yacine Brahimi won possession in midfield and played a precise pass to Ahmed Al Ganehi, who drove into the box and finished clinically past the goalkeeper.
Momentum gradually shifted in Al Gharafa's favor, and they came close to taking the lead shortly before the half-hour mark when Al Ganehi missed a clear one-on-one chance. However, the breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute, as Ferjani Sassi met a cross from Ryan Al Ali and converted to put his side ahead.
In the second half, Umm Salal pushed forward in search of an equalizer, creating several opportunities. Their best chance fell to Oussama Tannane in the 57th minute, but his powerful long-range effort narrowly missed the target.
Al Gharafa managed the remainder of the match effectively, maintaining their advantage to secure victory and book a semi-final showdown with Al Wakrah in what promises to be a compelling encounter.