Al Meqbaali stars as UAE knock holders Algeria out on penalties

Goalkeeper blocks two shots to secure 7 6 win in shootout after 1 1 draw to set up semi final with Morocco Doha, Qatar: Ahead of the United Arab Em...

Goalkeeper blocks two shots to secure 7-6 win in shootout after 1-1 draw to set up semi-final with Morocco

Doha, Qatar: Ahead of the United Arab Emirates’ FIFA Arab Cup quarter-final clash against defending champions Algeria, coach Cosmin Olaroiu insisted his team feared no ‘big’ opponent despite entering Al Bayt Stadium as underdogs. Last night, Al-Abyad proved their coach right. 

The UAE showed remarkable resilience, fighting back after Adil Boulbina put Algeria ahead in the 46th minute, levelling through Bruno Oliveira in the 64th as the deadlock stretched through 90 minutes.

UAE goalkeeper Hamad Al Meqbaali delivered one of the finest performances of his career, making crucial saves throughout the match before rising to the moment in a marathon penalty shootout, blocking two spot-kicks.

He denied Yassine Benzia on Algeria’s second attempt before Algeria keeper Farid Chaal stopped Marcus Meloni in response.