Report by talal osman
The UAE national team snatched a ticket to qualify for the semi-finals of the Arab Football Cup, after its exciting victory over the defending champion, the Algerian national team, on penalties (7-6) after the original and extra rounds ended in a positive draw (1-1).The match, which lasted for more than 120 minutes at Al Bayt Stadium, witnessed great excitement and an exchange of control and goals.Algeria opened the scoring in the 46th minute of the second half after Adel Boulbina followed up a shot by his teammate Yacine Brahimi, scoring the lead goal.
The Whites managed to equalize in the 64th minute through Bruno after an assist from Caio.The tie (1-1) continued until the end of the original half, and the match extended to two extra halves that witnessed dangerous attempts from both sides, especially from Algeria, which almost decided the match had it not been for Hamad Al-Muqbali's brilliant save of Bouchhab's powerful shot in the last minute of the second extra half.
The two teams reached the penalty shootout, which smiled on the UAE's "White" team, qualifying for the semi-finals.With this victory, the UAE national team set a fiery date with its Moroccan brother in the semi-finals of the Arab Cup
