Shabab Al Ahli Clinch Qatar-UAE Super Cup with 3-1 Victory Over Al Rayyan

UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli secured their second consecutive Qatar-UAE Super Cup title, defeating Al Rayyan 3-1 in an action-packed encounter at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday. The Emirati side lifted the Challenge Shield after showcasing a dominant performance against the Qatari hosts.

Shabab Al Ahli, who had previously triumphed over Al Duhail in the inaugural tournament last year, continued their winning streak with goals from Yuri Cesar (28th minute), Sardar Azmoun (52nd minute), and Guilherme Bala (90+7 minute). Al Rayyan’s only goal came as a result of an own goal by Shabab Al Ahli’s Renan in the 42nd minute.

The visitors applied sustained pressure from the outset, with Al Rayyan’s goalkeeper Paulo Victor making crucial saves to keep his side in the game. However, Shabab Al Ahli broke through in the 28th minute when Brazil-born Emirati midfielder Yuri Cesar netted the opener. The goal came after Bala intercepted Al Rayyan’s Murad Naji near the center line and set up Cesar for a precise finish.

Al Rayyan equalized just before halftime, courtesy of an own goal. A darting move by Roger Guedes forced Renan into an error, leveling the score at 1-1.

The second half saw Shabab Al Ahli regaining control. In the 52nd minute, Sardar Azmoun restored the lead with a simple tap-in, converting a diagonal cross from Bala. Despite their efforts, Al Rayyan struggled to break through Shabab Al Ahli’s defense. The hosts came close to an equalizer in the 73rd minute, but goalkeeper Hamad al-Meqebaali made a stunning fingertip save to deny Guedes’ header.

In added time, Al Rayyan’s substitute Tameem Mansour squandered a golden opportunity to draw level, missing a close-range shot that went wide. Moments later, Shabab Al Ahli sealed their victory with a swift counterattack. Bala scored his team’s third goal in the 97th minute, tapping in a pass from Eid Khamis to secure the Challenge Shield.

The victory marks another milestone for Shabab Al Ahli, who continue to dominate the bilateral tournament. The team’s clinical finishing and resilient defense proved decisive in their 3-1 win, reaffirming their status as one of the region’s top football clubs.