Doha: Qatar giants Al Duhail advanced to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League after a tense 7-6 win on penalties against domestic rivals Al Rayyan on Sunday.
What was supposed to be straight-forward outing for the Qatar Stars League leaders turned into a gripping contest following a 1-1 stalemate after 120 minutes at the Al Thumama Stadium, one of the venues of the World Cup which concluded two months ago.
Matches in the West Asian half of the continent were halted after the group phase due to the involvement of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran in the World Cup.
They resumed Sunday in Doha where reigning champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia are hugely favoured to make the final.
Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds have already qualified for the title match after matches in the Eastern half of the continent wrapped up in August last year.
Al Duhail missed several chances despite enjoying overwhelming possession throughout the match.
Mohamed al-Muntari finally broke the deadlock in the 107th minute with a header from the centre of the box to put Al Duhail ahead much to the joy of their supporters.
But even just when it appeared they have done enough for the day, Steven Nzonzi struck from the right of the penalty area in the third minute of stoppage time after receiving a headed pass from Yohan Boli, extending the match into the penalties.
The shoot-outs proved even more nerve-wracking with both teams scoring off their first six shots.
Karim Boudiaf also nailed the seventh penalty for Al Duhail but Al Rayyan’s luck finally ran out when Moufak Awad saw his shot stopped by goalkeeper Salah Zakaria, who had also produced a couple of key saves over the course of play.
Source: AFP
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