Al-Sadd Triumphs Over Wydad in Thrilling Penalty Shootout to Claim Al-Ahrar Cup

Al-Sadd emerged victorious over Morocco's Wydad in a thrilling friendly match, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. The encounter, held today at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, was part of preparations for the upcoming 2025-2026 football season and contested for the "Al-Ahrar Cup."

Al-Sadd took the lead in the 55th minute through a penalty converted by star forward Akram Afif. Wydad equalized in the 67th minute thanks to a header from substitute Hamza El Ouasti, following a cross from Nordin Amrabat. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review.

The match saw a solid technical performance from both sides. Al-Sadd dominated the early attacking exchanges but was met with a disciplined defensive structure from Wydad.

New signing Pau Prim, recently acquired from FC Barcelona, impressed in midfield with his composure and distribution. Uruguayan midfielder Agust?­n Soria and Algerian winger Youcef Atal also made notable contributions, with Atal particularly active in his forward runs.

Wydad's defense, however, was effective in neutralizing the threat of Akram Afif and Spanish striker Rafa Mujica, limiting their penetration into the box.

Wydad came close to scoring in the 30th minute when Nordin Amrabat broke through on the right flank, but Al-Sadd defender Pedro intervened decisively. In response, Afif mounted a threat from the right wing in the 37th minute, though the Moroccan defense cleared the danger.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams showing glimpses of quality without breaking the deadlock.

In the second half, Al-Sadd head coach Felix S??nchez brought on former Wolfsburg player Paulo Ot??vio in place of defender Ahmed Suhail, aiming to inject more pace and width down the flanks.

Shortly after, Youcef Atal was brought down in the penalty area by Wydad defender Mohamed Rabeh. Afif stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty to the left of goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid to give Al-Sadd a 1-0 lead.

Wydad responded with pressure, and Burkinabe midfielder Aziz Ki nearly equalized with a powerful free kick in the 60th minute, but Al-Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham pulled off a fine save.

Wydad manager introduced fresh legs with Hamza El Ouasti and Brazilian defender Guilherme Ferreira coming off the bench. El Ouasti made an instant impact, heading in a cross from Amrabat in the 67th minute to level the score at 1-1, with the goal upheld after VAR intervention.

Al-Sadd nearly regained the lead in the final minute of regular time when captain Hassan Al Haydos unleashed a powerful shot from outside the area, but Benabid made a superb save to keep Wydad in the game.

With no winner in regular time, the match went to penalties, where Al-Sadd held their nerve to win the shootout 5-4, claiming the Al-Ahrar Cup in front of their home crowd.