Lekhwiya reach Emir Cup final for first time
DOHA: Lekhwiya on Friday marched into the final of the Emir Cup for the first time in their history when they outplayed El Jaish SC 2-1 in the second semi-final played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
El Jaish took the lead in the 28th minute when their star striker Abderrazzaq Hamed-Allah scored through a penalty.
However, Lekhwiya made a perfect comeback when their South Korean midfielder Nam Tae-Hee squared the scores at one-all in the 45th minute before Mohammed Moussa Ali seal their victory in the 79th minute with a perfect header.
The South Korean produced a great freekick, one that curled over the wall and straight into the near corner of the goal. Coach Belmadi’s reaction – running around and punching the air – said it all.
In the second half too, Lekhwiya saw more of the ball then Jaish. They had a few sporadic attempts but none that were too threatening. Lekhwiya brought on striker Mohamed Muntari to increase their scoring chances but it was a short stint that ended in pain. The lanky striker pulled up after being on the pitch for barely a few minutes. The knee injury that seemed to have kept him out seemed to have resurfaced and Muntari was see in tears later as he had to be replaced. Luiz Martin came on in his place.
Lekhwiya continued to look for the goal and though many attempts were wasted they finally got one in through Musa. The defender has an uncanny ability to put himself on the scoresheet and it was he
who scored the winning goal, off a corner, in the 79th minute. Lekhwiya will now hope for a similar strong performance against Sadd and look to claim a piece of silverware this season.
Lekhwiya will meet Al Sadd who look to defend their title in the final which will be played at the same venue on May 20.
