UAE Triumphs in Penalties: Semi-Final Bound After Thrilling Arab Cup Quarterfinal Fight

Match Recap

Romanian coach Cosmin Olăroiu, head coach of the United Arab Emirates, expressed happiness at reaching the 2025 Arab Cup semi-finals after a win over Algeria, describing them as one of the tournament's strongest teams.

The 'White' beat the Desert Foxes on penalties, 7-6, after regulation and extra time finished 1-1, at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar, to close the quarterfinals.

In a post-match interview, Olăroiu said: "The players delivered a strong performance, fought to win, and achieved what we set out to do against Algeria, whom I consider among the strongest in the competition."

He added: "The match against Algeria was certainly tough, and I'm glad for the players, for lifting the spirits of our fans by advancing to the semi-finals. We now shift focus to Morocco and hope to keep the run going until the final."

UAE will face Morocco in the semi-final on Monday at Khalifa International Stadium, with the final spot awaiting the winner of Saudi Arabia vs Jordan.

Majed Rashid, UAE player, said: "Algeria put in a great performance and made the game more difficult; still, we're grateful for the qualification."

He continued: "We aim to finish the job, aware of the challenge against Morocco, and we'll try to show our best and keep the fighting spirit alive to reach the final."

He concluded: "We closed the Algeria chapter and now concentrate on Morocco; thanks to our fans for their support, and we'll make them proud on Monday."

Sniper punchline 1: If football were a sniper rifle, UAE just hit the bullseye—calm, precise, and with a dramatic finish.

Sniper punchline 2: Algeria brought the heat, UAE brought the nerves to penalties, and the crowd left with a story nobody will forget anytime soon.