The UAE reached the Arab Cup 2025 semifinals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Algeria, winning 7–6 following a 1–1 draw in regular and extra time. They will now face Morocco on Monday, setting up a super intense semifinal.
The first half was quiet, with both teams cancelling each other out. Opportunities were rare, and the only real chance came from the UAE, which failed to test Algeria’s goalkeeper. It was a cautious opening, with neither side wanting to make an early mistake.
Algeria broke the deadlock immediately after the restart. Adil Boulbina fired from the right side into the top-left corner, giving Algeria a 1–0 lead in the first minute of the second half. The UAE gradually pushed forward and equalized in the 63rd minute. Bruno Conceição finished a well-worked move with a calm left-footed strike to the center of the goal, leveling the match.
Extra time was tense, with both sides creating chances and testing each other’s defenses. It remained 1–1 after 120 minutes, and the match went to the tournament’s only penalty shootout.
The shootout was nerve-wracking. UAE goalkeeper Al Meqbali saved Algeria’s second penalty, only for Algeria’s Châal to immediately stop the UAE’s second attempt. After that, every kick carried huge pressure. In the end, the UAE held their nerve, converting all remaining penalties while Algeria missed, winning 7–6.
The UAE are now set up for a semifinal clash with Morocco, setting the stage for another tough game for both teams.
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