Al Duhail and Al Wakrah Secure Semi-Final Spots in QSL Cup

DOHA – Al Duhail and Al Wakrah have advanced to the semi-finals of the QSL Cup following decisive victories on Friday. Al Duhail edged past Al Khor 2-1 at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, while Al Wakrah cruised to a 3-1 win over Al Ahli at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

Al Duhail, the Group A leaders, asserted their dominance early in their clash against Al Khor. Ibrahima Diallo opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful angled shot after a skillful build-up involving Benjamin Bourigeaud, Abdullah Al-Ahrak, and Diallo himself. Al Khor came close to equalizing in the 43rd minute when Sofiane Hanni set up Salmin Atiq with a golden opportunity, but the forward blasted wide.

In the second half, Al Duhail continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Mohammed Emad Aiash headed in Bourigeaud’s precise cross, doubling their lead. Al Khor’s Adil Rhaili responded with a spectacular long-range goal from the centerline in the 80th minute, stunning goalkeeper Bautista Burke and reducing the deficit. Despite a spirited late push by Al Khor, Al Duhail held firm to secure the win and book their place in the last four, where they will face Al Wakrah.

Al Wakrah’s match against Al Ahli was marked by a dominant display from The Blue Waves. Ayoub Assal broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a dazzling solo effort, weaving past three defenders before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner. Al Ahli responded quickly, with Erik Exposito heading home a corner kick in the 37th minute to level the score.

However, Al Wakrah reclaimed the lead just before halftime through Farid Boulaya’s thunderous 30-yard strike, leaving Al Ahli goalkeeper Yazan Naim helpless. The Brigadiers thought they had equalized again in the 58th minute through Driss Fettouhi, but the goal was ruled offside, sparking protests from Al Ahli players.

Ricardo Gomes sealed Al Wakrah’s victory in the 80th minute, finishing off a perfectly timed through ball from Khalid Muneer, who capitalized on a midfield error by Al Ahli. Despite late attempts by Al Ahli to stage a comeback, Al Wakrah’s defense held strong, ensuring their progression to the semi-finals.

The QSL Cup semi-finals are set to showcase high-stakes action, with Al Duhail and Al Wakrah poised to battle for a spot in the final.