Arab Cup: with an incredible goal from Belaïli, Algeria leaves Morocco and goes to the semi-final – RMC Sport

Deprived of its best players playing in Europe, the Algerian selection battled to win on penalties against Morocco (2-2, 5 tab to 3) this Saturday during the quarter-finals of the Arab Cup. The Fennecs will challenge Qatar for a place in the final, thanks to a penalty from Yacine Brahimi and a magnificent goal from Youcef Belaili.

Riyad Mahrez and Achraf Hakimi, respectively selected in England and France for the matches of Manchester City in Premier League and PSG in Ligue 1, probably enjoyed the duel between their selection of Algeria and Morocco this Saturday in the quarter-final of the Arab Cup played in Qatar.

Even deprived of their best players – competition outside the Fifa window requires – the Fennecs and the Atlas Lions put on a great show for the supporters present in the stands of Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. And on arrival, the teammates of former Rennais Yacine Brahimi narrowly won against the formation led by Lhoussaine Ammouta (2-2, 5 tab to 3).

Brahimi scorer, Morocco equalizes in two minutes

After a first period slightly to the advantage of Morocco but without a goal, the duel between the two A ‘teams from the Maghreb neighbors changed when they returned from the locker room. A failed intervention by Mohamed Chibi in his area and the match referee awarded a penalty for Algeria after verification with the VAR. Without trembling, Yacine Brahimi transformed into force despite the plunge Anas Zniti, the goalkeeper of Raja Casablanca, on the right side (1-0, 62nd).

No time to celebrate that Algerian defenders have revived Morocco. On a free kick at the entrance to the surface, the Atlas Lions benefited from the largesse of the marking of the Fennecs and Mohamed Nahiri, lonely at the far post, quietly adjusted the veteran Raïs M’Bolhi to equalize (1- 1, 64e).

A jewel of Belaili and M’Bolhi send Algeria to Qatar

After ten minutes during extra time, the former Angevin Youcef Belaili signed a sumptuous sequence. More than 40 meters from the opposing goal, the attacking midfielder followed up with a cushioning of the chest with a pivot half-volley strike for a sensational lob (2-1, 102nd).

Here again, Algeria’s advance did not last long. Less than ten minutes and on a new free kick, Badr Benoun equalized with a header (2-2, 111th). After a thrilling penalty shootout, Raïs M’Bolhi stopped Karim El Berkaoui’s attempt to qualify Algeria.

Winner of the last edition in 2012, Morocco therefore takes the door from the quarter-finals. For Algeria, the journey continues. At least for the duration of a match. Still sluggish against their neighbor, the Fennecs will have to raise their level to hope to reach the final. And for good reason, Qatar now stands in their way. Qualified brilliantly against the United Arab Emirates (5-0), the host country intends to mark the spirits less than a year before the World Cup it will organize.

The other poster of the last four, will also give rise to a nice duel next Wednesday between Tunisia and Egypt, respectively victorious of Oman (2-1) and Jordan (3-1). For its return, the Arab Cup offers itself a nice return to business. So much the better for the 2022 World Cup and Fifa, which thus offer themselves a life-size rehearsal.