Al Rayyan’s Roger Guedes (centre) and Tiago Silva in action during the match.
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan SC defeated Al Qadsia SC 2-0 in the Gulf Club Champions League (GCCL) semi-final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, moving within one step of securing a second title in as many weeks.
Roger Guedes and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who were also on target in the 2-0 win over Muaither in the QSL Cup final last week, delivered again as Al Rayyan produced a controlled and efficient performance in front of their home supporters.
Coach Vicente Moreno will now lead his side into the final against Al Shabab FC, to be played at the same venue on Thursday. Al Shabab advanced after edging Zakho SC 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Al Rayyan imposed themselves early, pressing high and dictating the tempo from the outset. Their intent paid off in the 17th minute when Roger Guedes opened the scoring.
Abdulaziz Hatem sent a lob into the box, where a defensive error allowed Roger Guedes to latch onto the ball on the left, round a couple of defenders and finish from a tight angle.
The hosts maintained control for the remainder of the first half but were unable to extend their lead before the break.
They doubled their advantage, with Mitrovic striking in the 50th minute. A corner from Khaled Ali led to a clearance by goalkeeper Hameed Sayed Alqallaf that struck the post, allowing Mitrovic to tap in from close range.
Al Qadsia struggled to mount any sustained pressure as Al Rayyan managed the game effectively to secure a clean sheet and confirm their place in a second final in quick succession.
“It’s a great feeling to be playing two finals in quick succession,” said Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.
“We played the match well, and now we will give our best to win the second trophy of the season and make our fans happy.”
Looking ahead to the decider, he added: “It will be a 50-50 match, but we are confident and will be ready.”
Following the final, Al Rayyan - who are also pushing for a third-place finish in the Qatar Stars League - will face Al Arabi SC before meeting Al Wakrah SC in the Amir Cup quarter-finals on May 1.
“We are taking one match at a time in this crucial phase, and our focus will be on the final,” Abunada said.
Earlier at Khalifa International Stadium, Al Shabab secured their place in the final after a tightly contested semi-final. Abderrazak Hamdallah struck the post in the second half as they searched for a breakthrough, but it was Zakho who took the lead in the 74th minute through Echeta Ugonna Deputy, who headed in from an Amjad Attwan cross.
Al Shabab responded in stoppage time, with Yannick Carrasco converting a penalty after Hamdallah was brought down by Yousef Al-Alousi, sending the match into extra time at 1-1. With no further goals, the Saudi side held their nerve in the shootout to seal a hard-fought victory and book their place in the final.
