Olaroiu Credits Teamwork For UAE's Impressive Arab Cup Run

Doha, Qatar: The United Arab Emirates have emerged as surprise semi-finalists at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, with coach Cosmin Olaroiu crediting teamwork for his side's fine run in the tournament.

After advancing to the knockout stage from a tough group that also featured Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait, Al-Abyad defeated defending champions Algeria 7-6 on penalties after fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw.

The UAE showed great resilience against the North Africans, who dominated Friday's quarter-final at Al Bayt Stadium and took the lead through Adil Boulbina in the second half before Bruno Oliveira forced the match into extra time, where the UAE eventually prevailed.

“Teamwork was key to victory over Algeria,” Olaroiu said after the win.

“We overcame a strong team with very high-quality players. I thank the players and congratulate them on this qualification.”

The UAE came to Qatar heartbroken after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Iraq, conceding a last-gasp penalty last month that ended their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, with Iraq advancing to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

“We were unlucky for a long time, but we were fortunate in the penalty shootout against Algeria. They outperformed us in the first half, but in the second half, we were better.”

“I hope we continue our journey in this tournament. We have qualified, and that is the most important thing.”

Asked if he had expected his team to reach the semi-finals, the Romanian tactician said,“Why not? We delivered a great performance against Jordan, and now we have shown a good level and proven that we are a strong team. I hope we continue like this.”

Olaroiu said all of his team's focus is now on tomorrow's semi-final against Morocco, hoping his players can maintain their momentum.

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“Morocco's style is similar to Algeria's, and we will try to give our best to go as far as possible in this tournament.”

UAE hero Hamad Al Meqbaali, who blocked two penalties in the shootout and made key saves in extra time, also expressed the team's determination to qualify for the final.

“We deserved the win after our outstanding performance against defending champions Algeria, and we aim to go far,” he said.

Meanwhile, Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra was dejected following the early exit.

“I feel disappointed after being eliminated in the quarter-finals. We were aiming to make the fans happy, but luck wasn't on our side,” said Bougherra, who led the team to a title triumph in the 2021 edition after a victory over Tunisia in the final.

Algeria will now shift their focus to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they are placed alongside Burkina Faso, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea. They will meet Sudan in their opening match on December 24 in Rabat.

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