Qatar's Al Rayyan storm into semis after Benfica victory
Date
6/28/2016 6:14:06 AM
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Action during the Futsal Intercontinental Cup match between Al Rayyan and SL Benfica at Aspire Academy on Sunday.
DOHA: Qatar’s Al Rayyan stormed into the semi-finals of the Futsal Intercontinental Cup after producing a late strike to edge past SL Benfica 3-2 in a thrilling Group A clash on Sunday night.
T Grippi scored the game-winning goal at Ladies Sports Club at Aspire Academy as the home side reached the last four stage after braving an attack onslaught from the Portuguese side.
Earlier, in the first half, Benfica’s Alan Brandi took aim at the goal but Al Rayyan goalkeeper Pereira Da Silve produced a well timed save in the second minute as the Portuguese side built pressure on the home team.
A minute later, it was the same combination as Brandi fired one at Al Rayyan goal but Da Silva pouched the ball.
In the 8th minute, Al Rayyan’s Ali Ibrahim went for a long-range shot but the ball missed the target by a whisker. Benfica’s Nelson Santos dribbled past a defender but his shot on the edge of the box was saved Al Rayyan goalkeeper by Da Silva in the 9th minute of the Group B clash.
Al Rayyan’s Ali produced another solo run but his shot above the Benfica goalkeeper Euclides Vaz went agonizingly close to the goalpost in the 10th minute as the home side upped the ante after a subdued start.
Benfica enjoyed 56 percent of the possession as Al Rayyan fought off a series of attacks to close the first half without a goal.
In the second half, Benfica’s Bruno Rocha flicked one into Al Rayyan net following a lob ball from his team mate in the 23rd minute.
Al Rayyan’s Sergio Locho produced a spectacular long-range goal in the 32nd minute as the home side drew level in the intense game.
A minute later, Diego Costa scored off a free kick in the 33rd minute to give Al Rayyan the lead.
Fabio Cecilio scored Benfica’s second goal in the 36th minute as the game headed into the last few minutes. Al Rayyan’s T Grippi scored in the 39th minute to guide the home side to win.
The Qatari side will take on Brazil’s Carlos Barbosa in the semi-final today. The other semi-final will be played between FC Barcelona Lassa and Magnus Futsal.
The Peninsula