Doha: Muaither SC booked their place in the final of the 2025–2026 season QSL Cup after edging Al Arabi 3-2 on penalties in a dramatic semi-final clash at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Majed Abdullatif proved decisive for Muaither, delivering a standout performance in the shootout by saving three penalties to guide his side into the final, where they will meet Al Rayyan.
The match ended 3-3 at the end of regulation time following a pulsating contest that swung both ways. Al Arabi forced the shootout in dramatic fashion, with Alexis Perez netting a last-minute equaliser to keep his side’s hopes alive.
Al Arabi made a bright start, taking the lead as early as the seventh minute through Joao Pedro, who rose highest to head home. However, Muaither responded almost instantly, with Etyan Morales levelling the score moments later after neatly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Mohamed Saeed Ibrahim.
Muaither continued their strong start and went ahead in the 11th minute when Fouad Saleh struck a powerful low shot past the Al Arabi defence. The pressure paid off again just before halftime, as Albert Ramis Luque converted from the penalty spot after Morales was brought down inside the box, giving Muaither a 3-1 advantage at the break.
Al Arabi returned with renewed determination in the second half and reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Pablo Sarabia, who finished clinically to revive his team’s chances.
Despite sustained pressure from Al Arabi in the closing stages, Muaither appeared on course to secure victory in regulation time. However, Perez’s late intervention forced penalties, setting up a tense conclusion.
In the shootout, Abdullatif emerged as the hero, producing a series of crucial saves to seal Muaither’s progression.
Muaither will now face Al Rayyan in the final after the latter advanced with a hard-fought penalty shootout victory over Umm Salal in the other semi-final.
