Al-Sadd secured their place in the final of the 2023 Amir Cup after an impressive 5-1 victory over Al-Shahania in the semi-final match held on Monday at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
Al-Sadd will face the winner of the other semi-final match between Al-Sailiya and Al-Arabi, scheduled to take place on Tuesday. The final match will be held on May 12 at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.
The goals for Al-Sadd were scored by Santi Cazorla with two goals in the 18th minute from a penalty kick and 32nd minute, Ayoub El Kaabi in the 26th minute, and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 89th and 93rd minutes. Al Shahania’s Birahim Gaye scored their only goal in the 50th minute.
The match started with a strong and fast pace from Al-Sadd, and Ayoub El-Kaabi nearly scored the opening goal in the second minute, but his shot hit the right post of Al-Shahania’s goal.
Al-Sadd maintained their pressure, and Santi Cazorla opened the scoring for Al-Sadd in the 18th minute from a penalty kick, which was awarded after a VAR review following Akram Afif’s foul. Cazorla converted the penalty to give Al-Sadd the lead.
Al-Sadd continued to dominate the match, and Ayoub El-Kaabi scored their second goal in the 26th minute after a defense-splitting pass from Cazorla.
Al-Sadd’s third goal came soon after when Cazorla netted his second goal in the 32nd minute, capitalising on a mistake by Al-Shahania’s defense.
In the second half, Al-Shahania reduced the deficit in the 50th minute through Birahim Gaye’s goal after Khoukhi Boualem failed to clear the ball properly.
Both teams continued to create chances, with Al-Shahania trying to score a second goal and Al-Sadd working to maintain their lead. Baghdad Bounedjah completed the scoring for Al-Sadd with two goals in the 89th and 93rd minute, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
