16 Feb 2015
Doha, 16 February 2015. Paris Saint-Germain has won the 2015 ‘Al Kass International Cup’ defeating Sao Paulo 5-4 in the final on Sunday evening after a penalty shoot-out. Pedro Henrique De Oliveira put the Brazilians ahead with a header in the first half (25’) prompting the French to push for the equalizer and they were awarded a late penalty that was converted by Odsonne Edouard (79’).
The 1-1 score line after regular time was followed by a dramatic penalty shoot-out where PSG goalkeeper Sebastian Ludovic Cibois became the hero for his team by saving two penalties which secured his team the 5-4 victory. “It was a great achievement for our players and coaching staff to win this outstanding tournament with high quality teams and excellent organization. I also want to congratulate Sao Paulo because they performed strongly throughout the competition,” said PSG coach Fracois Rodrigues. In the third place playoff game between Arsenal and AC Milan, Nketiah (2’, 47’) and Dasilva (8’, 53’) secured the ‘Gunners’ a comfortable 4-0 lead but goals to La Ferrara (65’) and Pobega (66’) brought suspense to the final minutes of the game. “It was an exciting game and I think the crowd really enjoyed it.
The tournament was great and the players gained a lot of experience from playing against teams from all over the world,’ said Arsenal coach Jan van Loon. After the fourth and most successful tournament yet, it was only fitting that the closing ceremony should provide a spectacular send-off for the footballers who lit up the 2015 competition. With thousands of local football fans on hand to witness the celebrations the final night extravaganza did not disappoint. Winning the tournament for a second time after their 2012 success, PSG were honoured in spectacular style following their final match triumph over Sao Paulo. In front of a full capacity crowd, members of the French team were presented with winners trophies by Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.
Moments later Al Thawadi presented the tournament’s golden trophy to PSG captain Mamadou Doucoure who then lifted it high sparking a spectacular fireworks display as confetti reigned down and a celebratory soundtrack rang throughout the stadium. The celebrations followed a superb aeronautical display by a troupe of paratroopers from the National Academy for Professional Training who descended upon the Aspire Zone pitch to the delighted applause of football supporters. In addition, individual honours were bestowed upon Sao Paulo forward Paulo Da Silva and Arsenal’s Stephy Mavididi. With both strikers scoring five goals each, Da Silva was recognised as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player whist Mavididi was awarded the competition’s Golden Boot. Sao Paulo keeper Lucas Da Silva was recognised as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.