Goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbali emerged as the standout performer as the United Arab Emirates defeated Algeria 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 quarter-final at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.
Goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbali emerged as the standout performer as the United Arab Emirates defeated Algeria 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 quarter-final at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.
Almeqbali denied Algeria twice during the shoot-out, saving the second and eighth spot-kicks, while Richard Akonnor converted the decisive penalty, sending the UAE through to a semi-final clash with Morocco on Monday.
The result saw the UAE eliminate the defending champions in a tense encounter that required extra time and penalties to determine a winner.
Algeria started the match strongly, with Yacine Boulbina driving into the box in the eighth minute and delivering a precise pass across goal for Redouane Berkane. Berkane, however, failed to connect, allowing Sasa Ivkovic to clear for the UAE.
In the 14th minute, Boulbina orchestrated another opportunity, sending a perfect free kick toward Achraf Abada. The striker headed the ball into the net, but the effort was ruled offside.
Despite dominating possession, the Algerian side struggled to create high-quality scoring opportunities. A minute before halftime, Sofiane Bendebka’s clever pass found Adil Boulbina, who finished past Almeqbali, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Algeria eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half when Almeqbali spilled a Brahimi shot, allowing Boulbina to tap the ball home.
In the 63rd minute, Algeria missed a golden chance to extend their lead, as Mohammed Halaimia’s low attempt at the near post was saved by Almeqbali.
The UAE quickly responded, with Yahya Alghassani sending a cross that deflected off Caio Lucas into Bruno, who finished with ease to equalize.
Subsequent attempts from Zakaria Draoui and Boulbina went over the bar, while Lucas Pimenta’s header for the UAE was kept out by Farid Chaal, taking the game into extra time.
Neither side managed to score during extra time. Almeqbali denied a header from Redouane Berkane, while Brahimi shot wide, and Zakaria Draoui was again thwarted by the UAE keeper.
The match proceeded to penalties, where Almeqbali was instrumental in the UAE’s victory, making crucial saves that ultimately sent the defending champions out of the tournament.
The UAE now prepares for a semi-final meeting with Morocco, having earned a hard-fought win over a formidable Algerian side.
