Yacine Brahimi has finally claimed his first piece of silverware in Qatari football, as Al-Gharafa secured a 2-1 victory over Al-Rayyan SC in the final of the 2025 Emir Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Algerian international, who joined Qatari football in 2019 and moved to Al-Gharafa in 2022 after a spell at Al-Rayyan, played the full 90 minutes in a tightly contested encounter that delivered both drama and redemption.
While he did not register a goal or assist, Brahimi’s experience and creative presence were vital in guiding Al-Gharafa to their first Emir Cup title since 2012—the eighth in the club’s history.
Al-Gharafa wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Ferjani Sassi opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Spanish forward Joselu doubled the lead in the 18th minute, setting the tone for what looked to be a comfortable evening.
However, Al-Rayyan refused to fold, clawing one back early in the second half through a Roger Guedes penalty in the 50th minute.
The game took a tense turn when Al-Gharafa were reduced to ten men following Sano’s red card in the 63rd minute.
But Brahimi and his teammates held firm under pressure, repelling waves of Al-Rayyan attacks to protect their slim advantage and lift the trophy in front of a raucous crowd.
📹 | الغرافة يتوج بطلاً لكأس الأمير 2025 #كاس_الأمير pic.twitter.com/r3CGbDva5z
— AL GHARAFA SC | نادي الغرافة (@ALGHARAFACLUB) May 24, 2025
This title carries particular significance for Brahimi, who had yet to win any major honours since moving to Qatar six years ago.
Saturday’s triumph was made all the more poignant by the fact it came against his former club, a side he left in search of a better fit for his playing style and ambition.
Having delivered an outstanding season—with nine goals and eleven assists in 28 appearances across all competitions—Brahimi has firmly reasserted his value on the pitch.
His leadership, while understated, was recognised during the post-match celebrations, where he stood prominently beside captain Ferjani Sassi as the team lifted the trophy.
Al-Gharafa’s Emir Cup success also guarantees qualification for the Asian Champions League, offering Brahimi another platform to showcase his talents.
After years of near misses, the veteran playmaker can now savour a long-awaited moment of triumph—one that could reignite the final chapter of his distinguished career.
