FIFA Arab Cup: Penalty heartbreak as Algeria exit

Defending champions Algeria were denied a semifinal meeting with rivals Morocco at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup after falling to the United Arab Emirates in a penalty shootout following their 1-1 draw on Friday in Qatar. Naturalized Ghanaian midfielder Richard Akonnor slotted in the winning spot kick as UAE, featuring seven naturalized foreign players in their starting eleven, advanced to the final four.

Full Penalty Shootout

In a tense and even clash, the first half was rather uneventful. Algeria defender Abdelkader Bedrane appeared to put Les Verts ahead at one point but his goal was disallowed. Just before halftime, forward Adil Boulbina was judged to be narrowly offsides after firing in off the post past UAE goalkeeper Hamad Al Meqebaali.

Immediately after halftime, Boulbina put the North Africans ahead. The Qatar-based striker produced an excellent finish after Al Meqebaali spilled a hopeful long range effort from Yacine Brahimi.

UAE responded about twenty minutes later when Caio Lucas’ cross fell kindly for fellow naturalized Brazilian Bruno, who was left with a simple finish past keeper Farid Chaal.

Tied at 1-1 after ninety minutes, the best opportunity to break the deadlock in extra time came at the very end when Algeria substitute Zakaria Draoui’s powerful shot was tipped out of play by Al Meqebaali.

Penalty kicks were required to determine a winner. After each team converted their first spot kicks, Chaal did brilliantly to deny Marcus Meloni after Al Meqebaali stopped Yassine Benzia’s attempt to keep the score 1-1 after two kicks each. Both teams converted their next five penalties but after substitute defender Naoufel Khacef’s effort was saved by Al Meqebaali, it was Akonnor who put UAE through.

The Gulf nation will face Morocco, the last remaining African team, in the semifinals on Monday in the early match. Saudi Arabia will play Jordan in the later semifinal after Jordan defeated Iraq earlier on Friday.