Drama and Delays: Wahda and Jazira Clinch UAE Cup Semis Amid Controversy

Semifinals Set After Dramatic Quarterfinals

UAE’s Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup quarterfinals concluded with Wahda and Jazira advancing to the semifinals amid late drama and refereeing calls. Wahda beat Khorfakan 2-1 at the Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Stadium, while Jazira beat Al Wasl 2-1. In the other ties, Al Ain defeated Shabab Al Ahli on aggregate 7-2, and Al Nasr edged Shabab Al Ahli on penalties 3-2 after a 4-4 aggregate draw.

Key Moments and VAR Echoes

In Wahda’s win, Lorenzi opened the scoring in the 17th minute for Khorfakan, with Brahima Diarra replying for Wahda in the 82nd and a decisive second in stoppage time (90+3). Khorfakan were reduced to ten men in the 63rd minute when Pedro Pavlov was sent off, a turning point that eased Wahda’s path to the semis. An early suspected handball in the box led to a penalty call which was overturned after video review.

Meanwhile, Al Jazira edged Al Wasl 2-1 as goals by Vinícius Melo at 12 and Nikola Fukic at 90+7 sealed the win after a tense first-half exchange. The tie featured multiple VAR interventions, with goals ruled out and scores adjusted at moments including a first-half penalty for Wasl at 10 minutes that was later annulled, and a potential late strike by Ibrahim Adel disallowed late in the match. The drama underscored the refining influence of VAR in this stage of the competition.

Both matches showcased a head-to-head style of football where the game’s momentum could swing on a single whistle. The semifinal lineup now pits Wahda against Jazira, while Nasr faces Al Ain in the other bracket, with both ties played over two legs as per the competition’s format.

What’s next? Expect a flurry of tactical tweaks, tight defences, and the occasional referee decision that could tip the balance in what promises to be a riveting UAE Cup path to the final.