Algeria Held in a Nerve-Racking Quarter-Final Clash
So let me walk you through what turned out to be an absolutely gripping quarter-final between Algeria and the United Arab Emirates — a match that kept everyone on edge from the first whistle to the very last minute. What was expected to be a straightforward evening for the defending champions quickly turned into a roller-coaster full of twists, frustration, and suspense.
The match began with a charged atmosphere inside the Al Bayt Stadium, already buzzing long before kickoff. Supporters from both sides were emotional even as the teams walked out. Algeria, playing in white, took control of the first possession, but the early minutes revealed a match that would be tighter and more physical than expected. The Emirati players came in strong, sometimes too strong, earning early fouls on Brahimi and Benzia. Algeria tried to respond with quick combinations, but the rhythm kept getting broken by constant challenges.
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Two major moments sparked false excitement for Algerian fans in the first half. First, Abada thought he had opened the scoring on a messy action in the box, but his goal was immediately ruled offside. Then, just minutes before halftime, Boulbina found the net after a clever run, yet that too was cancelled for another offside. Despite all the effort, creativity was lacking, and the half ended at 0-0, with Algeria visibly frustrated.
The second half, though, exploded right from the restart. Algeria finally broke through when Boulbina followed up on a shot from Brahimi that had been pushed back by the Emirati goalkeeper. His reaction was perfect, and the Fennecs were rewarded with a 1-0 lead only seconds after the break. For a moment, it felt like the match had finally swung their way.
But the UAE didn’t crack. They remained organized and patient, and their equaliser arrived in the 64th minute when Bruno finished off a swift attacking movement from the left. The goal stunned the Algerian camp, especially since the Fennecs had been pushing to double their advantage. From that point on, tension rose sharply. Chances came at both ends — a beautiful save from Chaal kept Algeria alive, while Boulbina came close to a second goal with a powerful volley that missed the bar by just a hair.
As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, Algeria pushed hard to avoid extra time. Substitutions were made, energy levels spiked, and every possession felt like a potential decider. But the UAE held on firmly, and the match reached its closing moments with both teams still neck-and-neck, delivering exactly the kind of suspense you expect from a knockout battle.
In the end, the Fennecs were held, and the quarter-final unfolded as a far more complicated mission than anticipated — a reminder that in tournaments like the Arab Cup, nothing is ever guaranteed, even for the reigning champions.
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