Al Arabi wins Qatari-Emirati Super Cup in thrilling showdown against Al Sharjah

Al Arabi emerged victorious in the inaugural Qatari-Emirati Super Cup, securing a 1-0 win against Al Sharjah at Al Thumama Stadium on Friday, April 12, 2024. Tunisian standout Youssef Msakni’s 58th-minute strike proved decisive, marking Al-Arabi’s maiden external triumph in style. The Qatar Football Association President, Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, and Vice President Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, presented the gold to Al Arabi and silver to Al Sharjah.

With 17,362 fervent fans in attendance, the match kicked off energetically as Al-Arabi goalie Jassim Al-Hail narrowly escaped an early scare from Luan Martinez Pereira. The first half saw a midfield stalemate before Rafinha orchestrated an attack for Al-Arabi, but their efforts were thwarted by Sharjah’s vigilant defense.

Following the interval, Al Arabi seized control, with Msakni’s near-miss setting the tone. The breakthrough arrived when Msakni latched onto Alaa El-Din Hassan’s pass, beating Sharjah’s keeper in clinical fashion. While Sharjah sought an equalizer, Al Arabi’s resolute defense held firm against late threats, including a contentious penalty appeal in stoppage time, where VAR intervened to revoke a red card and dismiss penalty claims.

Ultimately, Al Arabi managed to preserve their slender advantage, securing a historic triumph in the Qatar Football League’s premier showdown.