Saudi Arabia halted Palestine’s strong run at the Arab Cup with a narrow 2-1 triumph in added time after a demanding quarter-final in Al Rayyan.
Saudi Arabia halted Palestine’s strong run at the Arab Cup with a narrow 2-1 triumph in added time after a demanding quarter-final in Al Rayyan.
Hervé Renard’s men controlled much of the opening phase, circulating the ball with patience as they attempted to unlock a well-organized back line that had not conceded in the group matches.
Their best opening in the first half arrived when a looping delivery created an opening for Feras Al-Buraikan, but Hamed Hamdan intervened with a vital block to prevent a breakthrough.
The breakthrough finally arrived soon after the interval. Salem Al-Dawsari’s sharp control inside the box drew a foul from Mohammed Saleh, leading to a spot-kick.
Al-Buraikan calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand the Green Falcons a deserved advantage.
Palestine hit back almost instantly. Oday Dabbagh latched onto a center from Hassan Altambakti with a deft touch before driving the ball firmly past the goalkeeper to equalize.
The goal breathed renewed belief into the Palestinian side, who pushed for another opening as the contest grew more intense.
Saudi Arabia appeared to be awarded a second penalty near the end of normal time, but the decision was cancelled after a video review.
With the scoreboard unchanged at 1-1, both teams prepared for an additional half-hour in search of a winner.
As the match edged toward a shootout, the decisive moment came from Mohamed Kanno, who rose highest to meet a precise cross from Al-Dawsari.
His powerful header settled the tie, sending Saudi Arabia into the last four and closing a commendable Palestinian journey.
Palestine exited the competition after a spirited run marked by resilience and defensive discipline, while Saudi Arabia advanced with momentum into the semi-finals.
