DOHA : The win seals the Emirates’ place in the semi-finals of the Arab Cup FIFA Qatar 2025 and marks their first official triumph over Algeria, setting up a high-stakes clash against Morocco next Monday.
Algeria struck first through Adel Boulbina just a minute into the second half (46’), capitalising on a rebound off UAE goalkeeper Hamad Al-Muqbali. The goal opened up a match that had been largely cautious in the first 45 minutes, with both sides relying heavily on defensive organisation and physical battles in midfield.
The UAE responded with renewed purpose. A quick attacking sequence down the left side saw Yahya Al Ghassani deliver a pinpoint cross to Caio Lux, who headed the ball down for Bruno de Oliveira to calmly finish from close range (64’), bringing the score level and swinging momentum toward the Emiratis.
Read More
- Oman hockey team heads to Japan for final preparations ahead of Asian Games
- Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz storms through US Open quarter finals
- Round of 16 of the US Open Tennis Championship brings fierce action
- Infantino silent as pressure mounts over FIFA future
- Rumesh Tharanga makes history, becomes first Sri Lankan to win Diamond League javelin title
The remainder of regulation time saw waves of chances at both ends. Caio’s deflected cross (55’) and a powerful effort in the 69th minute tested Algerian goalkeeper Farid Chaâl, while Algeria continued to threaten through counter-attacks. Substitute Zakaria Draoui wasted a golden opportunity in the 74th minute, firing over the bar, before Boulbina sent another effort narrowly wide in the 79th.
The UAE pushed harder in the final minutes, with Caio forcing another key save (82’) and Lucas Pimenta’s header denied spectacularly by Chaâl in the 88th. Extra time offered no breakthrough, though both sides came close, Redouane Berkane’s header (98’), Brahimi’s near-miss (104’), and late shots from Pimenta (115’) and Draoui (120+1’) kept fans on edge.
With the deadlock unbroken after 120 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties. In a nail-biting shootout, UAE goalkeeper Hamad Al-Muqbali emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks to seal a 7–6 victory and book his nation’s place among the final four.
The win marks the UAE’s second-ever victory over Algeria in their seven total encounters, though only the second official match between them. The teams first met officially in the 1973 Palestine Cup, where Algeria won 2–0.
The UAE now advance to face Morocco, who secured their semi-final berth after defeating Syria 1–0 on Thursday.
For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.
