24th Arabian Gulf Cup: Qatar Beat UAE to Qualify for Semi-Finals

Doha, December 02 (QNA) - Qatar defeated the UAE 4-2 on Monday in the final group stage match of Group A to qualify for the semi-finals of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup. Qatar finished second in Group A after Iraq drew 0-0 with Yemen to secure top spot on seven points. Qatar collected six points from their wins over Yemen and UAE, having lost 2-1 to Iraq in their opener. Their semi-final opponents will be known after the conclusion of the Group B matches later on Monday with all four teams - Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Despite only needing a draw to advance to the semi-finals, Qatar pushed forward from the start and nearly opened the scoring in the fifth minute but Abdelkarim Hassan was denied by the woodwork while Almoez Ali's shot was blocked by UAE goalkeeper Mohammed Al Shamsi on 18 minutes. Qatar's persistence paid off two minutes later as Afif capitalized on a mistake by Mohammed Marzooq to slot the ball past Al Shamsi. Named the 2019 AFC Player of the Year earlier on Monday, Afif scored his second from the penalty spot five minutes later after Mohammed Al Menhali handled the ball inside the area. UAE were awarded a penalty of their own in the 31st minute after Bandar Al Ahbabi was fouled inside the area, with Ali Mabkhout converting to bring his side back into the match. Afif was denied his hat-trick by the woodwork three minutes into the second half but Qatar added their third goal in the 53rd minute after Hassan Al Haydos completed an exchange of passes with Ali. UAE pulled themselves back into the tie again in the 77th minute with the in-form Mabkhout firing home his fifth goal of the tournament. Qatar, however, sealed the win in added time through Boualem Khoukhi. (QNA)