Saudi Arabia’s national football team qualified for the semi-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 after defeating Palestine 2–1 in their quarter-final match held this Thursday evening at Lusail Stadium, under the officiating of Egyptian referee Amin Omar.
The first half ended goalless, highlighted by a brilliant save from Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi in the 22nd minute, followed by an impressive stop from Palestine’s goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh against a shot by Saudi captain Salem Al-Dawsari in the 42nd minute.
In the second half, Saudi Arabia took the lead with a penalty converted by Feras Al-Buraikan in the 58th minute after a foul on Salem Al-Dawsari. However, Palestine equalized through Oday Dabbagh in the 64th minute after a defensive error in clearing the ball. Ali Majrashi nearly restored the lead for Saudi Arabia with a shot that struck the crossbar in the 70th minute.
In stoppage time (90+5), Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty, but it was overturned after a VAR review, sending the match into extra time.
Extra time
Saudi Arabia continued to press, with Palestine’s goalkeeper making a key save against Musab Al-Juwair in the 98th minute. Waleed Al-Ahmed then missed a clear chance in the final seconds of the first extra period (105).
In the 115th minute, Salem Al-Dawsari delivered a perfect cross that was headed superbly into the Palestinian net by the outstanding Mohammed Kanno, securing Saudi Arabia’s second goal and confirming their place in the semi-finals, while Palestine exited the tournament.
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