A night for football history as Egypt meet Qatar for Port Said benefit match

Football action from yesterday's charity match in Doha between Egypt and the Qatar national side. Photo/QSPC

By Mohammed Al-Malki, AIPS Executive Committee Member

It was a glittering night at Al-Gharrafa fully-packed stadium with dozens of luminaries around for the charity international friendly between Qatar and Egypt which saw the Pharaohs cruising 2-0 in Friday’s match as revenues rasied were allocated for the families of the victims of Port Said stadium disaster in Egypt where 72 people were killed.

Egypt's Al-Ahly were beaten 3-1 in an away match against El-Masry of Port Said after which home fans rushed on to the field and attacked Ahly supporters with knives and guns.

The players witnessed deaths inside their dressing room, where some of the injured fans were taken for treatment. The BBC reported that Ahly's iconic player, Mohamed Abutrika, held a fan in his arms as he died.

As well as match revenue the organisers are hoping to raise USD 1 million for the Port Said victims.

Gianni Merlo, AIPS President attended the eve and was honored by QFA President for his contributions to the event and the overall progress of the sports press.

Back to the thrilling game, Egypt’s striker, Sayed Hamady opened scoring for his side in the 28th  minute as his teammate, Mohammed Gido cemented the Egyptian lead  in the 56th minute to end the match 2-0.

The International friendly match came in the frame of the Qatar national team's preparation for the upcoming 21st  Gulf Cup of Nations 2013 which will run from January 5 -18 in Manama, Bahrain.

As per the Gulf Cup draw the Qatari national team is pooled in group (A) beside hosts Bahrain, UAE and the defending champions Oman , while Group (B) includes Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Iraq.