Al Gharafa and Al Sadd are set to face off in a highly anticipated quarter-final of the Qatar Emir Cup, with Algerian internationals Yacine Brahimi and Youcef Atal taking centre stage in what promises to be a thrilling all-Algerian showdown.
The encounter, scheduled for 13 May, brings together two of the country’s top clubs and two of Algeria’s most high-profile footballers. Al Gharafa, guided by head coach Pedro Martins, reached the last eight with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Khor.
A dominant first-half display saw Spanish forward Joselu open the scoring in the 20th minute following an incisive pass from Rodrigo Moreno. In the second half, it was Brahimi’s turn to shine, delivering a pinpoint assist for Ahmed Al Ganehi, who doubled the lead in the 63rd minute.
Although Al Khor responded with a goal in the 75th minute, Al Gharafa held firm to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Their opponents, reigning champions Al Sadd, also advanced with a commanding 3-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat. The defending title holders found themselves behind early after a goalkeeping mistake gifted their opponents the lead in the 14th minute.
However, the response was swift and emphatic. Giovani Henrique levelled the match before Spanish forward Rafa Mujica put Al Sadd ahead in the 55th minute. Just two minutes later, Henrique struck again, sealing a comfortable passage to the next round and reinforcing Al Sadd’s status as title favourites.
The forthcoming fixture offers far more than just a ticket to the semi-finals—it sets the stage for a compelling duel between two of Algeria’s most influential footballers.
Yacine Brahimi, renowned for his creativity and technical prowess, was instrumental in Al Gharafa’s progression and will be expected to lead once more.
On the opposite flank, Youcef Atal’s dynamic play and attacking bursts from defence have added another layer of quality to Al Sadd’s game this season.
The clash is being billed as one with the intensity and quality of a final. Both teams are among the strongest in the competition and boast a wealth of talent throughout their squads.
While Al Gharafa will look to their experienced playmaker to dictate proceedings, Al Sadd’s cohesion and depth, coupled with Atal’s presence on the right wing, make them a formidable force.
Beyond the club rivalry, the match carries national significance. Brahimi and Atal, both likely to feature in Algeria’s squad this summer, will not only be vying for domestic glory but also seeking to assert their form ahead of international duty.
For Algerian fans, the fixture offers a unique opportunity to witness two compatriots go head-to-head in a high-pressure contest on foreign soil.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the Qatari capital when Brahimi and Atal step onto the pitch. With a semi-final place at stake and personal pride on the line, the match promises to deliver drama, quality, and a display worthy of the Emir Cup’s grand stage.
