Tribune News Network
Doha
In what turned out to be a memorable semi-final and a match that would be talked about for a long time to come, hosts Qatar were pipped at the post by Algeria in a nail-biting contest of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 that saw pulsating drama towards the end late on Wednesday.
Two goals in a span of 10 minutes in the eighteen minutes of added time was how it panned out as the match swung like a pendulum with eventually a penalty in the 90+17 minute from Mohd Belaili sealing the deal for Algeria who will now face Tunisia in the final on Saturday at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Trailing by a goal (scored by Bjamel Benlamri in the 59th minute), Qatar took long to get the momentum back but a brilliant header from Mohammed Muntari in the 7th minute of added time sent electric waves at the Al Thumama Stadium as home fans exulted in delight.
The scores levelled, sighs of relief were heaved as even Qatar coach Felix Sanchez gulped water along with the support staff. But just when it seemed that the game would move into extra time, the dying minutes saw more drama with the Polish referee Szymon Marciniak signalling to the penalty spot for a tackle by Qatar inside the box against Belaili.
The hush descended again but Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb managed to block the kick but the ball flew back toward Belaili who again kicked it and this time successfully into the goal.
Qatar’s dream run at the tournament came to an abrupt end.
Be as it may, and while the hosts tried to produce their best, the Desert Warriors did present an impressive challenge and a superb defence.
For Qatar it just seemed to be their day. For as early in the 13th minute strike went high over the rival goal.
Algeria kept up their attack and were rewarded in the 59th minute. It was also the 11th time in a row that Algeria had taken the lead.
The first goal strike also somewhat stopped the steamrolling action and it took Qatar almost a good ten minutes before Abdekarim Hassan made a superb long centre to whip up the action.
Soon after, Boualem Khoukhi made a header but it was parried away by the alert Alegrian custodian Rais M’Bolhi.
Qatar’s next possible chance was when Homam Ahmed moved menacingly with the ball but then lost his footing when just inside the box in the 85th minute.
The lifeline emerged much later when Mohd Ismail’s superb cross was dashingly headed by Muntari as he leapt towards his left and the ball went on to hit the inside of the left pole before rolling into the net.
Then on the remaining time saw drama and more drama. Algeria protested over decisions and the refree flashed yellow cards to Benlami and Belaili.