Al Rayyan made a flying start to the 2018-19 football season in Qatar by annexing the Sheikh Jassim Cup, edging Al Duhail 5-3 on penalties.

The tie-breaker was forced after the teams were tied 1-1 after regular time.

Ismail Mohammed put Al Duhail ahead in the 23rd minute and Abdulrahman Al Harazi drew level for Al Rayyan in the 64th.

In shoot-out, Rodrigo Tabata, Koh Myong-Jin, Khalfan Ibrahim, Sebastian Soria and Ahmed Al Sadi scored for Al Rayyan, while Yousef El Arabi, Nam Tae-Hee and Mohammed Moosa found the target for Al Duhail.

After Al Rayyan goalkeeper Omar Barry blocked Mohammed Muntari’s shot, Al Sadi converted from the spot to trigger celebrations in The Lions’ camp.

Thus, Al Rayyan’s Argentinian coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena made a winning debut in Qatar after replacing Danish great Michael Laudrup.

Al Rayyan players proudly received the trophy from Qatar Football Association President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, in the presence of Qatar Stars League CEO Hani Taleb Ballan.

Al Duhail dominated the first half and were duly rewarded with a goal halfway through it.

At the other end, Al Duhail goalkeeper Amine Lecomte thwarted Tabata’s free-kick and Al Harazi’s shot.

Al Duhail continued their domination in the second half. But after Luis Martin mistimed his shot that resulted in a corner, it was Al Rayyan who were successful through a hardworking Al Harazi, who had to limp off the field as the game wore on. 

Towards the end of regular time, Al Rayyan’s Sebastian Soria skied a long-ranger inches over. 

Al Rayyan made a few changes, in their bid to seal the match, that also saw new recruit from Al Arabi Khalfan take the field.

Al Duhail’s Murad Naji then had his powerful shot blocked by Omar in the five-minute stoppage time as the game went into the tie-breaker.