Doha: Former Qatar international and Al Arabi SC legend Ibrahim Khalfan emphasized that the highly anticipated showdown between Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa in the final of the 53rd HH the Amir Cup 2025 stands as a marquee football clash imbued with a unique character, pitting two of Qatar's most storied clubs against each other. According to Qatar News Agency, Khalfan noted that both sides head into the encounter on equal footing, with their chances of lifting the coveted trophy appearing evenly matched. He highlighted that the final is set to take place this coming Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium. Both teams have rightfully earned their spot in the final, given the high-caliber performances they have delivered in the earlier stages of this prestigious tournament, he said, adding that the contest is projected to be wide open, packed with intensity, energy, and a shared hunger to seize the coveted title. Khalfan pointed out that both teams are stepping into the match with a common ambition, primarily to clinch a trophy that has eluded their cabinets for years. Al Rayyan, making their 19th appearance in this cup final, will be looking to secure their seventh title, having last lifted the cup in 2013. Meanwhile, Al Gharafa will be eyeing their eighth triumph, with their most recent win dating back to 2012. This thirst for victory serves as a major driving force for all players and is bound to raise the stakes on the pitch. Al Rayyan has delivered a notable showing in this edition of the tournament and will be looking to bounce back after falling short in the Qatar Stars League, where they wrapped up the season in fifth place. As for Al Gharafa, who finished third in the league and exited the Qatar Cup in the semifinals, the team has shown a different face in HH the Amir Cup, having successfully knocked out reigning champions Al Sadd, Khalfan highlighted. Khalfan underscored the consequentiality of coaching pedigree in shaping the outcome of the high-stakes final, noting that Al Rayyan are helmed by Portu guese tactician Artur Jorge, while fellow countryman Pedro Martins leads Al Gharafa. He pointed out that whichever manager prevails will steer his side into direct qualification for the upcoming 2025-'26 AFC Champions League Elite. Khalfan further noted that both clubs are stacked with marquee names across both local and international rosters, with particular depth in their attacking units. Al Gharafa boasts Spanish duo Joselu and Rodrigo Moreno, supported by Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi and Algerian playmaker Yacine Brahimi. On the other hand, Al Rayyan will be banking on Brazilian forwards Roger Guedes and Thiago Mendes, Paraguayan striker Adam Bareiro, and Belgian midfielder Julien De Sart, he said. Khalfan went on to say that this cup final holds a distinctive prestige, standing as a marquee sporting occasion that marks the culmination of the football season. He highlighted the broad official and public presence, along with the vibrant accompanying events, as a clear testament to the tournament's immense standing in the national sports calendar. Finally, he reminisced about his own storied journey with HH the Amir Cup, noting that he captured the title seven times with Al Arabi between 1979 and 1993, expressing pride in having lived through the club's golden era, particularly when Al Arabi etched its name in history as the first team to retain the trophy after winning it three years in a row.