Meqbali shines as UAE beat Algeria to set up semis clash with Morocco

Goalkeeper Hamad Al Meqbali was the hero as UAE edged Algeria 7-6 on penalties after their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 quarterfinal ended II at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.

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Al Meqbali saved Algeria's second and eighth spot-kicks, with Richard Akonnor netting the winner as UAE dethroned the defending champions and set up a semifinal showdown with Morocco on Monday.

Algeria got off to a fast start with Yacine Boulbina driving into the box in the eighth minute to slip a delightful pass across the face of goal for Redouane Berkane who, however, failed to connect, allowing UAE's Sasa Ivkovic to clear the ball away.

The Al Gharafa midfielder was again pulling the strings for Algeria in the 14th minute, delivering a pinpoint free-kick into the path of Achraf Abada, who headed the ball into the back of the net, only for the defender to be ruled offside.

Despite enjoying more possession, Cosmin Olaroiu's side struggled to create clear cut chances and were let off the hook again a minute before the break.

Sofiane Bendebka's deft touch saw Adil Boulbina break past his markers to slip the ball past UAE keeper Meqbali, only for the effort to be ruled offside.