Arab Cup Drama Hits Final Four
TDT | Manama
Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com
Football fans are in for a treat tonight as the FIFA Arab Cup semi-finals take center stage in Doha, with Morocco facing UAE at 5:30 PM at Khalifa International Stadium and Saudi Arabia taking on Jordan at 8:30 PM at Al Bayt Stadium. With the quarter-finals providing stunning upsets and drama, both semi-finals promise another night of football fireworks.
The Atlas Lions and the Green Falcons booked their semi-final spots last Thursday. Morocco narrowly defeated Syria 1–0 at Al Rayyan, with substitute Walid Azaro scoring the decisive late goal after a parried attempt from Mounir Chouiar, ensuring the Atlas Lions advanced after largely controlling the match. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia secured a 2–1 extra-time win over Palestine at Education City Stadium, with Mohamed Kanno heading home the winner from a perfect cross by Salem Al Dawsari, sending the Green Falcons into the last four.
Meanwhile, UAE and Jordan both booked their places last Friday. Neither side could be separated in 120 minutes as UAE stunned defending champions Algeria in a marathon penalty shootout following a riveting 1–1 draw. Richard Akonnor eventually converted the decisive spot-kick after goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbaali made a crucial save in sudden death. Earlier on, Jordan edged Iraq 1–0 thanks to Ali Olwan’s controversial first-half penalty, holding on despite losing star forward Yazan Al Naimat to an early knee injury.
With so much on the line, the Arab Cup semi-finals feature four sides that have advanced through a dramatic knockout stage. Morocco remain undefeated in the tournament, while UAE are riding the momentum of a narrow escape. Jordan are also yet to be beaten, while Hervé Renard’s men, Saudi Arabia, will be looking for a comfortable route to the final, which is set for December 18, alongside the third-place decider.
dsfsdf
Related Posts