Qatar trounces UAE 5-0, secures Arab Cup semis spot

Qatar will head into the semi-finals to face the winner of a North African derby clash between Morocco and Algeria on Saturday.

Sports

1 min read

The New Arab Staff

11 December, 2021

Qatar's Friday night victory was their third consecutive win over the UAE [Getty]

Qatar have sailed into the semi-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup after trouncing the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in Doha late on Friday.

The hosts took an early lead with a sixth-minute goal from Akram Afif, and a second in the 28th minute when Almoez Ali fired from the penalty spot.

The deal was sealed for Qatar before the end of the first half, with another penalty scored by Boualem Khoukhi after a foul by Emirati keeper Ali Khaseif, followed by a dazzling strike from outside the box by Abdulaziz Hatem in the 44th minute

A stoppage time shot from Ali was initially disallowed, however was later awarded, rounding off the scoring for the night.

Friday night’s derby win for the Qataris is their third consecutive win over the UAE. They will head into the semi-finals to face the winner of a North African derby clash between Morocco and Algeria on Saturday.

Tunisia, meanwhile, booked its final four spot with a 2-1 win over Oman. The Eagles of Carthage will face either Jordan or Egypt in their semi-final match.