Qatar players celebrate.
Doha: Qatar faces formidable opponents in Algeria in the semi-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, with home team’s quarter-final hero Almoez Ali saying Al Annabi have the potential to pull off a victory against the North African giants.
Algeria edged out Morocco 5-3 on penalties after extra time couldn’t separate the two sides, with the Maghreb derby locked 2-2 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
Algeria goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi ensured his team’s progress to the semi-finals after a diving save to Karim El Berkaoui’s hit.
Qatar’s route to the semi-finals was straightforward as they thrashed Gulf rivals United Arab Emirates 5-0 in the quarter-final, with all their goals coming in the first half.
With Morocco – the top ranked team of the tournament out of title contention – Algeria have strengthened their position as one of the favourites to win the trophy.
However, Almoez, who scored two goals against the UAE, said his team is confident ahead of the semi-final, which will be played on December 15 at the Al Thumama Stadium.
“Our opponents, who have plenty of experience, will be tough and it’s going to be a difficult semi-final but we are targeting a place in the final for which we will do our best,” the striker said.
Al Annabi have featured in several major competitions including the Copa America, CONCACAF Gold Cup and the European Qualifiers for Qatar 2022 as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup debut at home, and Almoez said team’s vast experience will be helpful in the clash.
“The experience of our World Cup preparations will come handy in the semi-final and we are looking forward to a winning show to qualify for the final,” he added.
Almoez, who is just two goals shy of Mubarak Mustafa’s Qatar record of 41 international goals, said his main aim has always been to help the team with his performance.
“I am happy to reach a tally of 39 international goals. It’s a great honour for me, which would not have been achieved without the support of my team-mates,” said the 25-year-old striker, who has played 78 international matches for Qatar.
Speaking on a big victory over the UAE, the striker said it was a result of sheer teamwork.
“It was a collective effort from the entire team. This win has given us huge confidence and has made us more eager to win the Arab Cup,” he added.
“The best part was turnout of the match. Playing in front of around 63000 spectators was superb and I want to thank our fans for giving us extra energy with their support,” he said.
Qatar’s experienced campaigner Karim Boudiaf agreed, saying fans helped Al Annabi in producing a great performance.
“The crowd attendance at the Al Bayt Stadium was stunning and after getting such a massive support, every player was keen to give their best show. Definitely, it was one of the reasons for our win in the quarter-final,” the 31-year-old said.
Boudiaf hoped his team will continue to step up efforts in the semi-final.
“We are coming back stronger after every match of the Arab Cup. The campaign will become tougher and we will have to perform according to that,” he said.
Win over Morocco delights Bougherra
Meanwhile, Algerian coach Madjid Bougherra expressed his delight following a hard fought victory over Morocco in the quarter-final at the Al Thumama Stadium.
“It was a very difficult match as expected and I am happy to come out of it as winners,” said Bougherra.
“Both the teams showed great physical strength in the long battle. There were a lot of attempts during the match. We also created many opportunities and were only able to convert into goals twice but I am satisfied because players gave their best effort to book berth in the semi-final,” he added.
