Doha, September 01 (QNA) - Al Sadd reached the final of the 2026 Qatar Cup after beating Al Gharafa 2-1 in the semifinal on Tuesday at Khalifa International Stadium.

Al Sadd will face the winner of the second semifinal between Al Shamal and Al Rayyan in the final, which is scheduled for Dec. 11 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Hashim Ali and Mohamed Manai scored for Al Sadd in the 25th and 43rd minutes, respectively, while Cameroonian forward Frank Magri scored Al Gharafa's only goal in the 14th minute.

Al Sadd made the stronger start, dominating possession and pressing forward, but Al Gharafa proved more effective on the counterattack. It took the lead when Algerian forward Yacine Brahimi broke forward and played the ball to Magri, who converted in the 14th minute.

Al Sadd increased the pressure after falling behind, with Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino coming close to scoring from a cross by compatriot Otavio. Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar made the save in the 19th minute.

Al Sadd equalized six minutes later when Hashim Ali pounced on a loose ball after a clearance by the Al Gharafa defense and fired a powerful shot into the net.

Al Sadd continued to threaten, with the most dangerous chance coming in the 38th minute when Brazilian midfielder Claudinho's shot struck the base of the post. Three minutes before halftime, Mohamed Manai put Al Sadd ahead after meeting a cross from Akram Afif and turning it into the net with a backheel.

Al Sadd began the second half looking to extend its lead. Claudinho came close in the 52nd minute when his shot went just wide of the post, while Firmino headed over the bar in the 62nd.

Al Gharafa improved offensively and pressed for an equalizer, creating several chances. Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi came closest in the 71st minute, sending a header narrowly wide, while Magri's shot went over the bar in the 79th.

As Al Gharafa pressed in the closing minutes, Al Sadd relied on quick counterattacks. One such attack resulted in Al Gharafa defender Rayan Al Ali being sent off in the 87th minute for denying substitute Hassan Al Haydos a clear run at goal.

Al Gharafa played the remainder of the match with 10 men, making it more difficult to find an equalizer. Al Sadd held on for a 2-1 victory to secure its place in the Qatar Cup final on Dec. 11. (QNA)