Twice Offside: Algeria's Arab Cup Quarterfinal Heartbreak Against UAE

Arab Cup 2025 Quarterfinal: Algeria vs UAE

The Algerian national team endured a tough quarterfinal against the United Arab Emirates in Qatar, with two disallowed goals shaping the narrative.

The winner advances to face Morocco in the semifinal on Monday.

In the first half, two Algerian goals were ruled offside after VAR reviews at 14 and 44 minutes, leaving the Green Army disappointed.

The first goal, a header by Ashraf Obada, was chalked off swiftly following a VAR call on an Algeria attacker.

Adel Bulbina's strike was also ruled out due to the UAE’s tight offside trap.

Algeria's head coach Majid Bougherra was seen lamenting on camera as his side's hopes dimmed.

Algeria had qualified for the quarterfinal by topping Group D, setting up a date with UAE, who finished second in Group C.

Punchline 1: If VAR had a sense of humor, it would call this a long-term offside relationship.

Punchline 2: Algeria's goals? Offside—it's not a bug, it's a feature.