Al Rayyan’s football team secured second place in the 2025 Amir Cup, following a thrilling final match where they lost 2-1 to Al Gharafa. The match took place on Saturday evening at Khalifa International Stadium, attended by 38,149 spectators.
Al Gharafa opened the scoring early in the 4th minute through Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi, followed by a second goal from Spanish striker Joselu in the 18th minute, solidifying their lead.
Al Rayyan mounted a strong comeback in the second half, earning a penalty in the 49th minute after Andre Amaro was fouled inside the box by Al Gharafa’s goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar. Roger Guedes successfully converted the penalty in the 50th minute, scoring Al Rayyan’s only goal.
Despite intense pressure from Al Rayyan, especially after Al Gharafa’s Seydou Sano was sent off with a direct red card in the 65th minute for a reckless challenge on Guedes, the “Raheeb” could not find the equalizer.
**Match Lineup**
Al Rayyan fielded the following lineup: Sami Beldi in goal; a defensive quartet of Murad Naji, Andre Amaro, Roger Guedes, and Hazem Shehata; midfielders Di Sarto, Thiago Mendes, and Mohammed Surag; and attacking trio Mahmoud Trezeguet, Roger Guedes, and Adam Barreiro.