Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham emerged as Al Sadd’s hero as the famed club edged Morocco’s Wydad AC 5-4 on penalties to lift the Al Ahrar Cup at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday evening. The two teams were drawn 1-1 at the end of regular time.

The friendly match between the two sides also acted as a curtain raiser for Al Sadd ahead of the start of the Doha Bank Stars League (August 14) and the 2025-26 football season.

The absorbing shootout saw the first nine strikes from either side find the net before Barsham cut off Wydad’s final kick by diving to his left.

Earlier, Al Sadd had taken the lead through striker and skipper Akram Afif in the 56th minute from a penalty kick, before Hamza Al Wasti equalized for Wydad in the 67th.

The match saw both teams bring their best to the field. Al Sadd took the initiative to attack but collided with an organized defense from Wydad.

Al Sadd’s new player Pau Brem, who arrived from Barcelona, made a good impact in terms of possession, as did Uruguayan midfielder Agustin Soria and Algerian Youssef Atal in the midfield.

Wydad’s defence imposed strict control on Al Sadd’s front two, Akram Afif and Spaniard Rafa Mujica, making it difficult for them to penetrate the penalty area. Moroccan Nordin Amrabat almost scored from the right side, but Al Sadd defender Pedro blocked his shot in the 30th. The score remained goalless until the end of the first half.

In the second session, Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez replaced defender Ahmed Suhail with former Wolfsburg player Paulo Otavio in an attempt to activate the flanks. Algerian Youssef Atal tried to score from inside the penalty area, but was obstructed by Wydad defender Mohamed Rabhi resulting in a penalty. Afif scored from the spot to give Al Sadd the lead.

Wydad equalized with a header from substitute Hamza El Wasti, who capitalized on a cross from teammate Nordin Amrabat from the right. The goal was awarded after a VAR decision.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. 

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial