In a thrilling encounter at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Al Wakrah emerged triumphant in the Qatar Cup 2024 final, securing a hard-fought victory over Al Rayyan with a solitary goal netted by Nasser Al Yazidi in the 80th minute. The match, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 8,163 spectators, was graced by the esteemed presence of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, who bestowed the championship trophy upon the deserving winners.

Accompanying H.E. Sheikh Joaan were distinguished figures including Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, President of the Qatar Football Association, and Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO of the Qatar Stars League, adding prestige to the occasion.

This historic triumph marked Al Wakrah’s first appearance in the final since the tournament’s rebranding in 2014, a significant milestone for the club, which last clinched the title in 1999. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, as they overcame formidable opponents to claim the coveted trophy.

Reflecting on the momentous achievement, Al Wakrah’s coach, Ali Rahma Al Marri, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of excellence throughout the tournament. “We deserved to win the title. We gave our best in the final,” remarked Al Marri. “The players showed tremendous dedication, and every decision we made was aimed at achieving this result. It’s a testament to the hard work and unity of the entire Al Wakrah team, including our technical staff and support personnel.”

The final itself was a spectacle of skill and excitement, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination from the opening whistle. Al Wakrah made an early bid for the lead in the ninth minute, only to have their goal disallowed following a VAR review for offside. Undeterred by the setback, they continued to press forward, keeping Al Rayyan’s defense under constant pressure throughout the first half.

Despite several close calls and impressive attacking maneuvers, Al Wakrah found themselves frustrated by the resilient Al Rayyan defense, with goalkeeper Fahad Younes making crucial saves to deny them the breakthrough. However, their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when substitute Nasser Al Yazidi seized the moment, latching onto a precise through ball from Jacinto Dala to slot home the winning goal with a composed finish.

The victory sparked scenes of jubilation among the Al Wakrah faithful, who had eagerly awaited this moment of glory. For Al Rayyan, despite their valiant effort, it was a bitter disappointment as they fell agonizingly short of claiming the trophy.

As the celebrations ensued and the champions basked in their well-deserved triumph, the Qatar Cup 2024 final served as a thrilling showcase of footballing prowess and passion, further cementing Al Wakrah’s place in Qatari football history.