Ghana captain Andre Ayew has expressed excitement after winning his first major trophy with Qatari top-flight side Al Sadd on Friday night.
The former Swansea City star was as usual at his quality best as his team defeat Al Rayyan 6-5 on penalties after a pulsating 1-1 draw after full time in the Amir Cup final.
Al Sadd needed penalties to win the trophy for the 18th time at the expense of Al-Rayyan at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Al Sadd won 5-4 in the shootout after Santi Carzola cancelled out Yacine Brahimi’s lead for Al-Rayyan.
Ayew who has been in terrific goal-scoring form for the Qatari giants since his summer move was withdrawn in the 80th minute.
The forward was eager to score in the high-profile match and came close a couple of times.
Algerian Brahimi ensured that Al-Rayyan headed into halftime break with their tails up after converting a penalty in the 44th minute.
However, 13 minutes after recess Al Sadd were awarded their own penalty and former Arsenal man Santi Carzola converted expertly to level the scoring.
Neither side could find the winner with centre back Shojae Khalilzadeh’s miss in the shootout being the difference as Al Sadd were crowned champions again.
Ayew was very happy and celebrated with his teammates. He will hope to win more in Qatar following his surprising decision to leave Europe.
Ayew said: “I am very happy to win and win my first title with Al Sadd in a big match. We have to continue working to complete the season with full strength and win more trophies,”
Ayew added: “Al-Sadd fans were wonderful, and their large attendance was an incentive for the team, in a stadium at the highest level.”
https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS_EN/status/1451621027478446080?t=6mNg2_J9C7S7wl44X4TEOA&s=08
Ayew has scored five goals so far this campaign for Al Sadd.