Doha [Qatar], March 30: Goalkeeper Majed Abdullatif emerged as the hero as Muaither SC beat Al Arabi 3-2 on penalties to advance into the final of 2025-26 season QSL Cup at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium on Sunday.
The thrilling semi-final ended 3-3 after regulation time, with Al Arabi's Alexis Perez scoring a dramatic last-gasp equalizer to force the shootout.
In the decisive penalties, Muaither's Pakistani goalkeeper saved three kicks to secure victory and book a place in the final against Al Rayyan.
The match witnessed an explosive start. Joao Pedro headed Al Arabi into the lead in the seventh minute, but Muaither responded immediately as Etyan Morales equalized seconds later, cleverly clipping the ball past goalkeeper Mohamed Saeed Ibrahim.
Fouad Saleh put Muaither ahead in the 11th minute with a powerful low drive. Albert Ramis Luque then extended the lead from the penalty spot just before half time after Morales was fouled by the Al Arabi keeper.
Al Arabi mounted a strong comeback in the second half, with Pablo Sarabia reducing the deficit in the 51st minute. Despite sustained pressure, Muaither looked set for victory until Perez's late strike sent the tie to penalties.
Muaither will now face Al Rayyan, who qualified after a marathon penalty shootout win over Umm Salal, in the final.
Source: Qatar Tribune
