Al Sadd breaks the Qatar Cup jinx, crowned champions for first time

It was a great day for Al Sadd fans yesterday as their club won their maiden Qatar Cup in history, beating El Jaish 2-1 at home yesterday.

Al Sadd’s Algerian players Baghdad Bouedjah and Jugurtha Hamroun struck for the home side while El Jaish’s lone goal was the contribution of Uzbek international Sardor Rashidov, reported Gulf Times.

Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani awarded the trophy to Al Sadd captain Xavi Hernandez in the presence of Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Sheikh Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani.

It was the first trophy for Al Sadd under the Spain and Barcelona legend, who joined the side in 2015. El Jaish, on the other hand, will be sad they did not win the title ahead of their disbandment and merger with Lekhwiya next season.

“I’m very happy for the team. Al Sadd haven’t had the best of luck in recent times but yesterday we were clearly the better side and deserved to be winners,” said Al Sadd’s Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferriera.

“We were unlucky to finish second in the Qatar Stars League but this win will definitely boost our morale ahead of the quarterfinals of the Emir Cup,” he added.

Al Sadd got their goal through Bounedjah in the 21st minute for his 25th goal of the season in all competition. The beauty of the goal was the fine delivery of Hassan Haydos that was calmly controlled by the Algerian striker inside the box and quickly smashed the ball into the back of the net, reported Qatar Tribune.

El Jaish pressure eventually paid off in the 37th when Yasser Abubakar's beautiful pass opened up the Sadd defence for Rashidov to slot the ball under the Sadd goalkeeper.

Both teams attacked in search of a goal before the break but it was not to be as the first half ended in a 1-1 tie.

Upon resumption, the wolves were in the ascendancy and their dominance turned into a goal when Hamroun scored a screamer. The Algerian attacker received a pass from compatriot Bounedjah at he edge off the box before deftly striking the ball into the top left hand corner.

PAST QATAR CUP WINNERS

2017: Al Sadd 2-1 El Jaish

2016: El Jaish 2-1 Lekhwiya

2015: Lekhwiya 1-0 El Jaish

2014: El Jaish 1-1 Lekhwiya (4-3 pens)