The stage is set for absorbing semi-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup on Monday. The semi-finals are set to be thrilling affairs with three Asian sides looking to lift the coveted trophy.
Standing in their way are Morocco, who are aiming to keep the trophy in Africa following the elimination of defending champions Algeria in the quarter-finals.
Morocco v United Arab Emirates
UAE showed steely resolve in defeating Algeria in the quarter-finals and will have to produce more of the same against Morocco.
While penalties were needed to decide UAE's passage to the last four stage, Morocco saw off the challenge of Syria in 90 minutes, winning 1-0.
UAE's hero in the 7-6 penalty shootout win was goalkeeper Hamad Al Meqbali, who denied Yassine Benzia and Mohamed Khacef from the spot.
The Shabab Al Ahli shot-stopper paid tribute to UAE head coach Cosmin Olaroiu after his heroics against Algeria.
“We deserved the win, and this success has brought us immense joy despite a tough match. The coach instilled positive energy in us, he motivated us in the right way and showed a lot of faith in us, like we were his own sons. That helped us to fight for our flag, for ourselves and for the coach,” said Meqbali.
Morocco will be another tough test but Meqbali, who is normally Khalid Eisa's understudy, and his teammates are looking forward to locking horns with the African side.
With just days to recover, Lucas Pimenta said it was crucial for UAE to quickly refocus.
“We need to prepare and recover in time to face Morocco, and hopefully we’ll manage to win again,” said the centre-back.
Saudi Arabia v Jordan
These are thrilling times for Jordan and they will head into their semi-final against Saudi Arabia with confidence.
Their runners-up finish at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 was followed by a first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup and Jordan are now just two wins away from lifting the FIFA Arab Cup trophy.
They showed grit in the 1-0 win against Iraq in the quarter-finals, soldiering on despite losing the creative Yazan Al Naimat to injury in the first half, with his teammates attributing the victory to their determination to continue showcasing Jordanian football.
“The injury to Al Naimat was a blow to our morale after he had to leave the match so early but everyone showed real responsibility, and in the end we were rewarded with the win," said left-back Mohammad Abu Hashish.
“We deserve to be in the semi-finals; we didn’t get here by chance. The next match will be tough, and we’ll prepare for it properly. We hope to deliver a performance worthy of the Jordanian national team.”
Saudi Arabia had to work hard to earn their semi-final spot, needing extra-time to see off the challenge of a resilient Palestine.
Midfielder Mohammed Kanno was their hero, netting the winner in the final minute of the match for his third goal of the tournament.
Head coach Herve Renard has a talent-laden squad at his disposal and will expect to see his side progress.
Semi-finals on Monday:
Morocco v United Arab Emirates
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: 17:30 (UTC+3)
Saudi Arabia v Jordan
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium (Al Bayt)
Kick-off: 20:30 (UTC+3)