In a thrilling encounter at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al-Rayyan clinched a decisive 2-0 victory over Qatar in the 22nd round of the Qatari League on April 18, 2025. The match showcased the talents of notable players, including Egypt's Mahmoud Trezeguet and South Africa's Percy Tau, as both teams aimed to secure vital points in the league standings.
Al-Rayyan entered the match with a recent boost of confidence, having triumphed over Al-Shamal with a resounding score of 5-3 in their previous outing. This victory positioned them fifth in the league table with 30 points, making the clash against Qatar crucial for maintaining their competitive edge. Qatar, on the other hand, was sitting at the tenth position with 23 points, desperately needing a win to improve their standings before the season concluded.
The anticipation was palpable as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness the final appearances of key players before they transitioned to new chapters in their careers. Trezeguet's participation was particularly significant as he prepared for his return to Al-Ahly at the end of the season, while Qatar's Ahmed Abdelkader was absent due to his loan agreement with Al-Ahly, stirring emotions among supporters.
As the match kicked off at 5:30 PM Cairo time, both teams began with aggressive strategies. The first half saw attempts from both sides to break the deadlock, but the score remained 0-0 at halftime. Trezeguet had a notable moment in the 25th minute when he fell to the ground following a strong challenge, requiring medical attention for a head injury. Fortunately, he returned to the field shortly after and continued to play a pivotal role in Al-Rayyan's attack.
After the break, the intensity heightened. In the 68th minute, Al-Rayyan finally found the back of the net with a goal from Roger Guedes, who capitalized on a brilliant assist from Murad Naji Hussein. This goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, as Al-Rayyan aimed to solidify their lead.
Despite a disallowed goal by Adam Bariero in the 78th minute—which was overturned by VAR—Al-Rayyan maintained their momentum. The team continued to press forward, and in the 89th minute, Guedes struck again, sealing the victory with a second goal that showcased his clinical finishing ability.
With this victory, Al-Rayyan concluded their season in fifth place with a total of 33 points, while Qatar remained in tenth position with 23 points. The match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the Qatari League but also marked an important chapter for players like Trezeguet as they prepare for future endeavors.
As fans celebrated Al-Rayyan's performance, the focus now shifts to the upcoming season, where both teams will look to strengthen their squads and improve their standings. The excitement of the Qatari League continues to build, promising more thrilling matches in the future.
