Caitlin Dillon
Qatar’s stunning 4-2 victory over the United Arab Emirates, with goals from Akram Afif and Hassan Al-Haydos, booked Al Annabi’s ticket to the semi-finals of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup.
With both sides needing at least a draw to qualify for the semis, the most pivotal match of either side’s 2019 Gulf Cup campaign fell not only on the UAE’s National Day, but also on the nine-year anniversary of Qatar’s successful 2022 FIFA World Cup bid.
The first goal came in the 20th minute, as Akram Afif took full advantage of an Emirati defensive error just hours after being named Asian Player of the Year. The ecstatic crowd went wild as the UAE looked defeated, knowing they would now have to double the Qatari’s lead to have a shot at qualifying.
Less than 10 minutes later, a deliberate handball from the UAE’s Mohammed Barqesh gave way for Qatar’s second goal of the evening, as Afif stepped up to the penalty spot, scoring his third of the competition.
However, the UAE were awarded a penalty just a few minutes later, as Saad Al Sheeb came out of goal, colliding with Bandar Mohammed. This time, Ali Mabkhout, the UAE’s all-time top scorer, put the ball in the left-hand-side of the net.
Qatar spent the remainder of the first half searching for their third goal to seal the deal, but it was to no avail. However, the chance came for Qatar’s skipper, Hassan Al-Haydos, in the 53rd minute.
The UAE were not taking the defeat lying down, though, as straight from a corner Mabkhout scored the UAE’s second of the night, and his fifth of the tournament, cementing his status as the competition’s top-scorer.
As the game entered stoppage time, Khalifa International Stadium was electric, and Al Sadd defender Boualem Khoukhi saw his opportunity, ending the game on a high as he scored Qatar’s fourth and final goal with the final kick of the match.