(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The form of Brazilian Luiz Guilherme Muriqi left Al Sadd coach Hussain Amute grinning last night after the 28-year-old striker produced a trophy-winning performance ahead of next week's key AFC Champions League clash against Saudi side Al Hilal.
Al Sadd yesterday beat Lekhwiya 3-2 to lift the Sheikh Jassim Cup trophy thanks to late strikes by Muriqi who was brought in as a substitute by coach Amute.
The Brazilian recently signed a three-year deal with the 'Wolves' to replace Spain legend Raul as their main attacking threat. Muriqi is expected to pair up with fellow Brazilian Rodrigo Tabata who scored Al Sadd's first goal yesterday.
"The players were in good shape today after a successful summer training camp," Amute said yesterday.
"The positives of the match were that Muriqi was able to fit in with the team quickly and was able to make us favourites to win the match," the Moroccan added.
Al Sadd forward Hassan Al Haydos (right) fights for the ball with Lekhwiya defender Mohammed Moussa Ali during the Sheikh Jassim Cup final at Lekhwiya Stadium in Doha yesterday.
"Winning the Cup tonight will give the players a boost ahead of the match against Al Hilal," he said.
Al Sadd now head to Saudi city Riyadh for their AFC Champions League quarter-final, first leg, to be played on August 19. The return leg will be played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on August 26. Lekhwiya now set their eyes for QSL season set to commence on August 21.
Michael Laudrup, coach of Lekhwiya, said: "Yes I think it was an intensive game. It was a good game with five goals. Wwe could have had more chances for more goals (both teams). So, I think it was a good start to this season for everybody."
Laudrup, who was roped in for one season last month, added: "Of course we would have liked to have won this game, but it was good for me to see some players who are new in the first 11, and I think that was good."
The coach said: "The only bad thing was that we lost the game, but now we're prepared to start the league as we've got everybody back from injury so we're ready to start next week."
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