Doha: Al Arabi and Al Duhail have successfully advanced to the final of the Qatar Handball Federation Cup for the 2025-2026 season. They secured their spots after triumphing over Al Wakrah and Al Shamal, respectively, in the semifinals held on Tuesday.
According to Qatar News Agency, the first semifinal saw defending champion Al Arabi emerge victorious against Al Wakrah with a score of 32-24. In a closely contested second semifinal, Al Duhail narrowly defeated Al Shamal 44-43 on penalty throws. This win followed a 31-31 draw in regulation time and a 37-37 tie during extra time.
The much-anticipated final between Al Arabi and Al Duhail is scheduled for December 23. On the same day, Al Wakrah and Al Shamal will compete in the third-place playoff.
In other placement matches, Al Sadd secured fifth place by defeating Qatar SC 32-29, relegating Qatar SC to sixth place. Additionally, Al Khor claimed seventh place by beating Al Gharafa 28-25, leaving Al Gharafa in eighth position.
The Federation Cup takes place during a break in the league's schedule, as players from the national team prepare for the 22nd Asian Men's Championship in Kuwait next January. This championship will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 World Championship.
In the previous season, Al Arabi claimed the title for the 2024-2025 season, with Al Rayyan as the runner-up and Al Duhail finishing in third place.