Doha: The 53rd edition of the prestigious Amir Cup has reached the semifinal stage, with Al Sadd, the defending champions, suffering a shock elimination after losing to Al Gharafa 5-4 on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. Despite aiming for their 20th title, Al Sadd, the most decorated team with 19 championship wins dating back to 1975, bowed out at the hands of Al Gharafa, who have won seven titles. The dramatic encounter was decided in a penalty shootout.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Gharafa's Joselu, former Real Madrid forward, and Algerian star Yacine Brahimi scored two penalty goals to secure their team's lead, before an own goal by Icelandic midfielder Aron Gunnarsson reduced the deficit. Then, Qatari international Boualem Khoukhi salvaged Al Sadd with a last-minute equalizer in the 99th minute, forcing extra time.

Now, Al Gharafa will face Umm Salal in the semifinals on Monday, chasing their eighth title in tournament history. The club previously secured its first triumph in 1995 and remains the only team to have won the cup four times consecutively between 1995-1998, surpassing Al Arabi's three-title streak from 1978-1980.

In another high-stakes clash, Al Rayyan edged past Al Duhail in a tense penalty shootout (5-4), keeping their title hopes alive under Portuguese coach Arturo Jorge. The victory means Al Rayyan is now aiming for its seventh crown, equaling Al Gharafa's record as the third-most successful team in the competition's history.

Despite an early lead from Al Duhail via Edmilson Junior and Michael Olunga, Al Rayyan produced a dramatic comeback, with a brace from Brazilian star Roger Guedes, top scorer of the Ooredoo Stars League, who netted the equalizer in the 98th minute to force extra time.

Al Rayyan will now face Al Ahli on Sunday at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, aiming to secure their 19th final appearance. The club boasts six previous championship victories but has also fallen short in 12 finals across 18 tournament editions.