The United Arab Emirates booked their place in the semi-finals of the Arab Cup after a dramatic victory over Algeria, winning 7–6 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw across 120 minutes.
The quarter-final showdown, played at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, delivered intensity, suspense, and high-level football until the very last kick.
A match of balance, tension and late drama
Both sides began the encounter cautiously, exchanging early half-chances while maintaining a disciplined defensive structure.
Algeria applied greater pressure during the first half, repeatedly threatening the UAE goal, but the Emirati defence held firm to keep the score level heading into the break.
Algeria strike first — UAE respond with character
Just one minute into the second half, Algeria broke the deadlock.
Adel Boulbina pounced on a rebound after a powerful shot from Yacine Brahimi, firing home the opener in the 46th minute and giving the Desert Warriors a deserved lead.
But the UAE refused to surrender.
In the 64th minute, Bruno Oliveira converted a precise pass from Caio Lucas, levelling the score and shifting the momentum back toward the Emirati side.
Extra time changes nothing — penalties decide everything
Despite several threatening attacks—particularly from Algeria in the closing moments—the score remained unchanged after extra time.
The UAE goalkeeper produced a decisive late save, denying Bouchahab’s powerful strike and pushing the contest to a penalty shootout.
In the end, it was the UAE who held their nerve, winning 7–6 in a dramatic shootout to secure passage to the semi-finals.
A Morocco vs UAE semi-final awaits
With this victory, the UAE advance to face Morocco in a highly anticipated semi-final clash.
The Atlas Lions had earlier defeated Syria 1–0 to reach the last four, setting up a thrilling and balanced encounter between two sides full of ambition and confidence.
Fans across the Arab world are now eagerly awaiting this promising duel between the Atlas Lions and the UAE Whites, a matchup expected to deliver passion, tactical intrigue, and high drama.
