QSL side Al Sadd came from a goal behind to seal their 16th ever Emir Cup crown with a 2-1 win over Al Rayyan thanks to a stoppage time winner from attacker Jugurtha Hamroun. The match took place to much fanfare at the newly refurbished Khalifa international stadium, the first stadium ready for the 2022 World Cup on Friday evening. 

The first half was a tight affair, with both sides finding their feet in the tie in front of the sell out crowd. Both sides walked off at half time with the scoreline finely poised at 0-0. 

Al Rayyan broke the deadlock just four minutes into the second half, courtisey of club captain Rodrigo Tabata. The Qatar international stabbed in from close range at the second time of asking, pouncing on the rebound. 

Seven minutes later and Al Sadd found their way back into the match from the penalty spot. Algerian attacker Bagdad Bounjah was adjudged to have have been fouled in the area, giving the referee little choice to award the penalty. Hassan Haydos stepped up and scored to level the scores. 

Both sides pushed hard for a winner, and it was Al Sadd who sealed the Emir cup in stoppage time. With minutes left to play, Al Sadd captain Xavi produced some smart control and slipped through Algerian winger Hamroun. 

Al Sadd’s number five showed plenty of composure, fighting off the advances of the Al Rayyan defence before blasting the ball into the roof of the net, and sealing the 2-1 victory. Giving the newly refurbished Khalifa stadium a fitting first match.