Al Wakra Win Qatar Stars Cup Football

Doha, March 02 (QNA) - Al Wakra Friday won the 2012 Qatar Stars Cup in dramatic fashion by edging Al Kharaitiyat 10-9 in sudden death penalty at Shuhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Coached by Adnan Derjal, Al Wakra wasted numerous chances to score in regulation and extra time but found the winner in sudden death penalties after both sides were locked in the first 9 spot kicks. It was a dream run for Al Wakra who knocked out Qatar Stars League (QSL) giants Lekhwiya in the semifinal. Al Wakra fielded a strong side, including strikers Younus Mahmood, Waleed Hamza and midfielder Nashat Akram in their playing XI. In a cagey start in dusty conditions at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, both teams struggled for possession as blustery winds made it difficult for the players to control the ball. Al Wakra's Iraqi stalwart Mahmood tried a long-range shot but his powerful bullet went agonizingly close to the cross bar in the 15th minutes. A couple of minutes later, Al Wakra's Said Boutahar tried a similar shot but his shot was blocked by the Al Kharaitiyat goalkeeper. Striker Hamza nearly pulled off a super blinder in the 33rd minute, but Al Kharaitiyat goalkeeper smartly punched away the ball hit at him from close range. Two minutes after resumption, Al Wakra's Hamza tried another shot at the goal, but his flick went above the crossbar from close range. The teams exchanged blow for blow but failed to go past the goalkeepers who were thoroughly tested in the second half. Al Wakra and Al Kharaitiyat could not break the duck even in extra time and soon enough the teams headed for the penalties. It was Al Wakra's major trophy in Qatar. Last year's winner Al Sadd and the champions in 2010 Al Gharafa did not reach the final this season. (QNA)