Al Shamal Club pulled off an upset 3-1 win to knock Al Ahli Club out of the prestigious Emir’s Cup Volleyball Championship at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena in Al Sadd on Saturday.
In another match on the first day, Al Sadd Club raced past Al Wakrah Club in straight sets 25-13 25-14 25-16 to set up the quarter-final clash with Qatar Cup runners-up El Jaish.
This opening featured the two QVA League bottom-placed Al Sadd (10th) and Al Wakrah (11th) and the former proved too good, winning in just one hour with Rahimi and Dorde collecting most of their points. Rahimi netted 17, while Dorge to 11 and Naji was the third best with 8.
For Al Wakrah, Tamsir only shone to collect only seven points.
Al Shamal had finished in the sixth place behind Al Ahli during the League and the Emir’s Cup clash was a good opportunity to get one up on the rivals.
Al Shamal had a strong start through Renato and Ruslan whose attractive net play sent Al Ahli into disarray. Their superb spiking, coupled with valuable contributions from Ibrahim and Reynold, Al Shamal clinched the first two sets to put Al Ahli under tremendous pressure.
Al Ahli responded and came back into match by reducing the margin. However, Al Shamal squeezed out the fourth set and completed their spirit-lifting 25-18 25-21 21-25 25-23 triumph in one hour and 45 minutes.
Renato led the winners with 20 points, while Ruslan earned 19. Ibrahim (10) was the third double-digit contributor for Al Ahli and Ibrahim followed him with nine.
For Al Ahli, former Kenyan international Phillip Maiyo excelled to net 20 points and Pablo accounted for 16.
With this victory, Al Shamal advanced to the quarter-finals where they will clash with Al Rayyan Club.
Results

Al Sadd Club beat Al Wakrah Club 25-13 25-14 25-16 in one hour
Al Shamal Club beat Al Ahli Club 25-18 25-21 21-25 25-23 in one hour & 45 minutes
Sunday’s fixture

At 6.30 pm: Qatar Sports Club vs Al Khor Club
* Written By: Raajiv Tripathi, Qatar Tribune