UAE beat Algeria on penalties to reach Arab Cup 2025 semi-finals after 1-1 draw | OneFootball

Shootout heartbreak at Al Bayt Stadium

UAE beat Algeria on penalties to reach Arab Cup 2025 semi-finals after 1-1 draw

The United Arab Emirates booked their place in the semi finals of the Arab Cup Qatar 2025 after dramatic penalty shootout victory over Algeria prevailing 7-6 on spot kicks following gripping 1-1 draw across 120 minute at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday night.

The quarter final delivered high intensity, momentum swings and late drama before the Emiratis held their nerve in the shootout to eliminate resilient Algerian side.

Algeria strike first through Brahimi

Algeria broke the deadlock shortly after the restart in the 46 minute capitalising on swift counter attack down the right flank.

Adil Boulbina led the break before feeding Yacine Brahimi whose initial thunderous effort was parried by goalkeeper, only for the experienced forward to react quickest and slot home the rebound.

The goal appeared to tilt the contest in favour of the Desert Warriors who enjoyed spells of control as UAE searched for response.

UAE dight back as Alvaro de Oliveira levels the Score

The White Shirts pushed forward relentlessly and were rewarded in the 64 minute. Yahya Al Ghassani produced brilliant run down the left before delivering dangerous cross that Algeria failed to clear.

The ball fell kindly to de Oliveira who finished calmly past Farid Chaal to restore parity.

From that moment, the match opened up with both sides pushing for decisive breakthrough.

Late VAR Drama sends match to extra time

Tension peaked deep into stoppage time when de Oliveira whipped in threatening cross that reached Nicolas Gimenez whose close range effort struck the arm of Achref Abada.

UAE players appealed furiously for penalty but referee supported by VAR waved play on.

With no winner after regulation time, the tie headed into extra time.

Algeria came agonisingly close to snatching victory in the final minute of extra time but substitute Zakaria Draoui’s powerful strike was brilliantly tipped wide forcing penalties.

In the shootout:

The UAE converted seven penalties to Algeria’s six sealing qualification in nerve shredding finish.