Algeria edge Qatar in eternal match: 5 things learned from astonishing FIFA Arab Cup semi-final in Doha

Algeria’s defender Djamel Benlamri, left, heads the ball to score the opening goal during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 semi-final football match between Qatar and Algeria in Doha on Dec. 15, 2021. (AFP)
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Updated 16 December 2021
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Algeria edge Qatar in eternal match: 5 things learned from astonishing FIFA Arab Cup semi-final in Doha

  • Delirious Algerians booked place in final against Tunisia with 17th-minute stoppage-time winner

RIYADH: Amid the most astonishing scenes that this, or indeed any, tournament is ever likely to see, Algeria beat hosts Qatar 2-1 on Wednesday in the second semi-final of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup to earn a final against rivals Tunisia on Saturday.

Here are five things we learned from a roller-coaster game that looked like it would never end.

1. You will not see a finish like that for a long time

A long time! The 19 minutes of stoppage time was simply incredible. No one will know why so long was added but no one will ever forget what happened.

It looked as if the hosts had run out of ideas as the 90-minute mark approached with them trailing 1-0, but there were gasps when the fourth official held up a board to announce nine minutes of added time in a game that had not seen a lengthy injury break.

The Algerians bench was up in arms and even more so seven minutes later when Mohammed Muntari scored with a textbook header. Algeria were furious and instant online conspiracies were hatched accusing the hosts of getting a favorable decision with the Polish referee waiting until the hosts scored.

Such claims were silenced in the 15th minute of stoppage time (there had been some pushing and shoving after the Qatar goal but still…) as Algeria got a penalty when Yacine Brahimi was brought down and Mohamed Belaili, the hero of the quarter-final win over Morocco, stepped up. His initial shot was saved by Saad Al-Sheeb but he quickly fired home the rebound.

There was still another minute or so played and the final whistle finally sounded after 19 minutes of added time.

It was Qatar’s turn to be unhappy about the time added but, in the end, it was the right result.

2. Qatar could not capitalize on bright start

The Asian champions went at their African counterparts from the first whistle, pressing high and getting men forward as much as possible. The Maroons had swept the UAE aside in the first half of the quarter-final, earning praise from Dwight Yorke.

The former Manchester United star who was watching the match as part of FIFA’s technical study team, said: “Their intention was very clear from the very first whistle: Try and push the UAE back toward their own goal, press them high up the pitch when they could as well, force them into making an early mistake. And they got their reward.”

Qatar attempted to do the same with Algeria and were soon winning possession in advanced positions. With Almoez Ali and Akram Afif, the deadly duo of Asian football, looking dangerous and in tune with one another, the early signs were encouraging but the breakthrough did not come. There was to be no repeat of the UAE first-half blitz.

3. Bounedjah caused problems on his return

In the second half of the first half, Algeria were well and truly in the game and ended the period in control. Indeed, they really should have taken the lead after 35 minutes. Baghdad Bounedjah slipped the ball to Brahimi inside the area and the forward, who plays his club football in Qatar for Al-Rayyan, struck his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Bounedjah’s return was a welcome sight after he had missed the quarter-final win over Morocco due to concussion. He is an excellent No. 9 and led the line well, providing a constant outlet for his team-mates and causing problems for the Qatar defense as he has done consistently since joining Al-Sadd in 2015. The fact that he has averaged more than a goal a game in the Qatar Stars League tells you all you need to know.

The defense kept a close eye on the 30-year-old, but he remained a threat throughout the game, and it was no coincidence that Qatar started to get back into the match after the striker went off in the 68th minute.

4. Qatar should be satisfied but there is still work to do

Despite the crazy ending, Algeria deserved the win. The Fennecs carried on in the second half as they had ended the first — well on top. Qatar goalkeeper Al-Sheeb was the busier of the two No. 1s and it was only in the final stages that the hosts really started to threaten as Algeria, who were taken to a penalty shootout by Morocco three days earlier, started to tire.

Qatar had won all four games in the tournament, but these had come against Asian opposition. Meeting an African team for the first time, and one without European-based stars, proved to be a tough test. Qatar never gave up and tried to play aggressively but after doing the hard part, and getting the equalizer, failed to manage the game and take it to extra time.

There were many positives, however. Qatar have improved greatly in the last few years and a bit more international experience and composure could see the team have a good World Cup next year.

5. The final should be a treat but Tunisia need it more

Tunisia and Algeria should give the Arab world a fitting final. Both teams have shown heart, determination, and no small skill to get there. Fans thought that Tunisia’s 95th-minute winner against Egypt was a demonstration on how to keep going until the end but then Algeria’s stoppage-time winner came 12 minutes later.

Neither team are at full strength, but both would love to end 2021 and prepare for a busy 2022 by lifting a trophy — especially Tunisia.

Algeria are the defending champions of Africa but Tunisia have to go back to 2004 when they last won the continental crown. Winning the Arab Cup, 58 years after lifting the inaugural trophy, would really get fans and players in the mood for Africa’s premier tournament next month.

Whatever happens, if the final is as dramatic as the semis then we are all in for a treat.


Omar Marmoush scores stunning goal as Kevin De Bruyne says goodbye to Man City

Updated 34 sec ago
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Omar Marmoush scores stunning goal as Kevin De Bruyne says goodbye to Man City

  • The victory moved Pep Guardiola’s team up to third in the standings and left Champions League qualification in their own hands
  • De Bruyne was fighting back tears as he addressed the crowd after the match and watched a video montage of tributes from club greats on the stadium’s big screen

MANCHESTER, England: Omar Marmoush’s stunning long-range strike upstaged Kevin De Bruyne on the Manchester City great’s Etihad farewell.

Marmoush let fly from around 30 yards (meters) to put City ahead in their 3-1 win against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday.

The victory moved Pep Guardiola’s team up to third in the standings and left Champions League qualification in their own hands heading into the last round of the season.

“It’s really important. To be in the Champions League after what happened (this season) will be really nice,” the City manager said.

De Bruyne was making his final home appearance for City before leaving the club as a free agent at the end of the season.

After a trophy-laden 10 years, the Belgium international was greeted with a huge banner declaring him “King Kev” and given a standing ovation when he was substituted off in the second half.

But it was Marmoush’s goal after 14 minutes that lit up the match as his dipping shot clipped the post before crashing into the top corner.

It was the type of goal that De Bruyne would have been proud of in a career that has seen him score numerous spectacular strikes of his own.

De Bruyne missed a glorious chance to cap his farewell with a goal when missing an open net from close range — shooting against the bar.

“Terrible, terrible,” De Bruyne said of his miss. “There’s no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today.”

Bernardo Silva doubled City’s lead in the 38th and substitute Nico Gonzalez added a third in the 89th. Deniel Jebbison pulled one back for Bournemouth in added time in a game that saw both teams reduced to 10 men.

The win saw City bounce back from its FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday. It also means City needs a point in its final game against Fulham on Sunday to all but guarantee Champions League soccer next season, given its superior goal difference to top-five rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa.

After ending the season trophyless for the first time in eight years, City can at least secure the consolation of a place in European club soccer’s top competition.

The loss, however, ended Bournemouth’s slim hopes of qualifying for Europe.

De Bruyne tribute

De Bruyne was fighting back tears as he addressed the crowd after the match and watched a video montage of tributes from club greats on the stadium’s big screen.

He was given a guard of honor by his teammates as he walked to the middle of the field with his wife and three children.

City said it would erect a statue in his honor outside the stadium.

“It means I will always be part of this club,” De Bruyne said. “Whenever I come back with family and friends, I will be able to see myself so I will always be here.”

City also unveiled a mosaic of De Bruyne at the club’s academy and named a road on its campus after him.

The 33-year-old De Bruyne was part of a period of unprecedented success for City, which saw it win 16 major trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He waved to the crowd and City fans serenaded him as he left the field in the second half before embracing Guardiola on the touchline.

“There are players that are unique,” Guardiola said. “In 10 years there are a lot of games, a lot of titles, a lot of moments. Today summarized how much love was there (for him).”

He is the latest City great to have a mural made in his honor, joining Yaya Toure, Joe Hart, David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan.

Rodri returns

Rodri returned to action eight months after having surgery on an ACL injury that ruled him out for the majority of the season.

The Ballon d’Or winner came on as a second-half substitute to make his first appearance since being injured against Arsenal on Sept. 22.

His return means he is likely to be available for the Club World Cup in the United States in June and July.

Palace party

There was no hangover for Crystal Palace after Saturday’s FA Cup victory over City.

Eddie Nketiah scored twice in a 4-2 win against Wolves.

Just days after Palace’s win at Wembley secured their first major trophy, the team kept the party going in front of its home fans at Selhurst Park.

Wolves went ahead through Emmanuel Agbadou, but two goals from Nketiah in the space of five minutes in the first half put the home side in front.

Eberechi Eze — who scored the winning goal in the final — was on target again late on.


SPL champions-elect Al-Ittihad beat Al-Shabab 3-2 in last away game of the season

Updated 21 May 2025
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SPL champions-elect Al-Ittihad beat Al-Shabab 3-2 in last away game of the season

  • Moussa Diaby takes center stage with two memorable goals, the first of them in the opening minute, that put the Jeddah side in control
  • Al-Qadsiah tighten their grip on third place with a 3-1 win over Al-Orubah that moves them 4 points clear of Al-Nassr

RIYADH: In their first match since clinching the Saudi Pro League title last week, Al-Ittihad celebrated with a 3-2 win at Al-Shabab on Tuesday, their final away game of the season.

French winger Moussa Diaby took center stage, scoring two memorable goals that put the champions-elect in control, the first of which came in the opening minute. The former Aston Villa player, who arrived in Jeddah last summer, picked up possession on the right wing, cut inside the area and then, from a tight angle, fired an unstoppable shot into the opposite top corner.

His second, just after the half-hour mark, was delightful in its simplicity. Steven Bergwijn, still inside his own half, lifted the ball over the Riyadh defense to Diaby, who in turn lifted it over the goalkeeper, who was stranded outside his area.

Al-Shabab hit back in added time before the break through Yannick Carrasco, who controlled a Musab Al-Juwayr cross at the far post and fired home from close range.

Just before the hour mark, however, Bergwijn restored Al-Ittihad’s two-goal cushion. As the visitors streamed forward on the counter, N’Golo Kante fed the Dutchman on the left side, who produced another fine finish with a first-time shot.

That was not quite the end of the matter, though. Midway through the second half, Cristian Guanca made it 3-2, the Argentine heading home from close range after Daniel Podence hung a cross invitingly in the air.

Al-Shabab could not get another, however, and so Al-Ittihad recorded a sixth-successive win, which moved them nine points clear of second-place Al-Hilal, who travel to Al-Wehda on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Al-Qadsiah strengthened their grip on third place, and a spot in the AFC Champions League Two, with a 3-1 home victory over relegation battlers Al-Orubah. Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang contributed two late strikes that put him on 17 goals for the season. Julian Quinones delivered the opener, the Mexican marksman’s 20th league goal of the campaign.

Al-Qadsiah are now four points clear of fourth-place Al-Nassr, who will have a chance to close the gap when they play host to Al-Khaleej on Wednesday, after which there will be just one round of games left to play.


Nketiah and Eze on target on Palace party night

Updated 21 May 2025
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Nketiah and Eze on target on Palace party night

  • There was a carnival atmosphere at Selhurst Park
  • Palace’s FA Cup win means they will play in next season’s Europa League

LONDON: Eddie Nketiah scored twice on Crystal Palace’s party night as they celebrated their FA Cup triumph in style with a 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Tuesday.
Palace’s last home game of the season came three days after they beat Manchester City at Wembley to claim the first major silverware in the south London club’s history and there were euphoric scenes as they hit back to take the three points.
The carnival atmosphere was interrupted briefly when Wolves took the lead through Emmanuel Agbadou’s 24th-minute header but Selhurst Park was really rocking when Nketiah struck twice in the space of five minutes before halftime.
Ben Chilwell’s free kick deflected off of Agbadou’s head to make it 3-1 in the 50th minute and the noise in the stadium barely diminished when Wolves reduced the deficit with a glancing header from Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Twelfth-placed Palace, who made six changes to the side that started against City, brought on Cup final goal hero Eberechi Eze in the 81st minute and he put the icing on the cake with a clinical angled finish after a jinking run.
Oliver Glasner’s side have 52 points, the highest total Palace have collected in the Premier League, and they will end a momentous season at champions Liverpool on Sunday.
After the historic events of Saturday it looked like Palace might be suffering an FA Cup hangover when Agbadou’s header from a corner just about crossed the line.
Nketiah came off the bench at Wembley and had been on the fringes at Palace but he was given a start and took full advantage to score his first league goals for three months.
Three minutes after Palace fell behind, former Arsenal forward Nketiah received a cut back from Romain Esse and fired a shot past Wolves keeper Dan Bentley who could gave done better.
Nketiah was at it again soon after, guiding in a low cross by Ismaila Sarr for his 50th senior career goal.
“We’re buzzing, we’re happy and it’s a massive day for us. Our manager was keen to keep it going and keep the celebrations going. Everyone was firing and we got the win,” Nketiah said.
“The unity between the fans and the players is amazing and it will be amazing to have European nights here.”
It was a memorable night for Palace’s long-serving defender Joel Ward who wore the captain’s armband in his last appearance for the club after a 13-year stint.
Palace’s FA Cup win means they will play in next season’s Europa League.


Man United gets boost ahead of Europa League final against Tottenham as 3 players return

Updated 20 May 2025
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Man United gets boost ahead of Europa League final against Tottenham as 3 players return

  • All three players took part in training on Tuesday and could play at least a few minutes
  • Amorim said: “Of course, they are limited in the minutes for the game but they can help us win the game”

BILBAO, Spain: Manchester United will have a trio of players back from injury for the Europa League final against Tottenham, coach Ruben Amorim said Tuesday, with Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee all available to come off the bench.

All three players took part in training on Tuesday and could play at least a few minutes if needed.

“Very good for us,” Amorim said. “Of course, they are limited in the minutes for the game but they can help us win the game.”

Matthijs de Ligt will not be available but traveled to Bilbao to support his teammates. Lisandro Martinez is the only other first-team player not available as he remains out with a serious knee injury.

The return of Zirkzee was the biggest surprise as he had initially been ruled out for the season because of a hamstring injury he picked up in April.

“Me neither,” Amorim said when told nobody expected the forward’s return. “They recover quite well. They push, of course, and we have to respect the feeling of the player but we push a little bit, as they wanted to be part of the team. That is a very good sign.”

Dalot was nursing a calf injury since April, and Yoro had been out since earlier this month.

United have had a dismal season but are hoping to finish it with a European title. The club are in 16th place in the league standings after 18 defeats, their most in a single campaign since the Premier League began in 1992. They are also certain to register their worst-ever points total in that era, as well as their lowest finish.

Tottenham injuries
Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou said midfielder Lucas Bergvall has not recovered from an ankle injury in time for the final. He was with the squad in Bilbao but won’t play.

Midfielder Pape Sarr will be available despite not finishing the league match against Aston Villa on Friday because of a back issue.

Tottenham are in 17th place in the Premier League, having lost 21 times — also a club record in the modern era. The Champions League runner-up in 2019, Tottenham are seeking their first trophy since the 2008 English League Cup.


New York Knicks take on Indiana Pacers in NBA 2025 Eastern Conference finals

Updated 20 May 2025
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New York Knicks take on Indiana Pacers in NBA 2025 Eastern Conference finals

  • Teams meet in playoffs for 2nd-successive season; Pacers won in 7 games at the semi-final stage last year

DUBAi: Beginning on Wednesday, New York and Indiana will meet in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference playoffs for a second straight season as they continue to put a modern twist on a classic NBA rivalry.

This season, they face each other in the conference final; last year, the Pacers defeated the Knicks in seven games at the semi-final stage, rallying from series deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 along the way.

The drama was reminiscent of matchups from a generation ago, when the teams faced each other in the playoffs six times in the space of eight years between 1993 and 2000. During that time Patrick Ewing of the Knicks and Reggie Miller of the Pacers went head-to-head in one thriller after another, helping to define a decade of NBA competition.

• Opportunity knocks: The most recent appearances by the teams in the NBA Finals came 26 years ago for New York and 25 years ago for Indiana. In both cases, one of them beat the other in the conference finals: In 1999, the Knicks defeated the Pacers during a historic run to the Finals as No. 8 seeds.

The following season, Indiana got the better of New York to reach the championship showdown for the first (and still the only) time in franchise history.

The Knicks’ appearance in the conference finals this year is their first since that series defeat by the Pacers in 2000.

• Marquee matchup: Two-time NBA All-Stars Jalen Brunson of New York and Tyrese Haliburton of Indiana will square off in a battle of ascendant point guards who are at their best in the biggest moments.

Brunson’s barrage of late-game buckets and Haliburton’s pair of game-winning shots have been key features of the 2025 playoffs so far. Both players, who helped jump-start their respective franchises upon arrival a few years ago, are now just a step away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time.

• Winning ways: After a sluggish 10-15 start to the season, the Pacers have been dominant over the past five months, with a 40-17 finish to the regular season, and five-game playoff-series victories over the 2020-21 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks and the 64-win, top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.

A relentlessly fast-paced offense, much-improved defense and impressive depth have helped Indiana become the first team ranked No. 4 seed or lower to advance to the conference finals in back-to-back seasons under the current playoff format, which has been in place since 1984.

With almost the same team rotation as they had last season, under the guidance of championship-winning head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers have perfected their distinctive style of play.

• Step forward: After back-to-back Eastern Conference semi-finals appearances in the previous two seasons, the Knicks have taken the next step by reaching the finals for the first time in 25 years. They did so with a retooled roster after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, who joined Brunson, O.G. Anunoby and Josh Hart in a superb starting lineup.

A 4-2 series victory over defending NBA champions the Boston Celtics in the semi-finals has given New York a chance to avenge last season’s playoff defeat by Indiana.

• Snappy comebacks: Both Indiana and New York have shown strong resolve this season by repeatedly erasing big deficits to win playoff games. In the first two rounds, the Pacers won three games in which they trailed by 19 points or more, making them the first team to record at least three 19-point playoff comebacks in a single season since 1998.

The Knicks, meanwhile, rallied from a 20-point deficit in each of their first two games against the Celtics, and a 14-point deficit on the way to another victory.

Clearly, no lead is safe against these two resilient teams.

• Halfway home: Eight more victories would give the Pacers their first-ever NBA championship appearance, and the Knicks their first in 52 years.

Indiana won three ABA championships before joining the NBA in 1976. New York claimed their two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.

• Friendly foes: The head-to-head matchup between Pascal Siakam of Indiana and New York’s Anunoby, standout forwards and former longtime teammates, could go a long way in determining the series winner.

The two spent seven seasons together with the Toronto Raptors, helped the franchise win the 2019 NBA championship before both were traded in the middle of last season. Siakam earned his third NBA All-Star selection this season, and Anunoby has had his best scoring season to complement his stellar defense.

• Talk of the Towns: In back-to-back seasons, Karl-Anthony Towns has helped two franchises end decades-long droughts without a conference finals appearance: the Minnesota Timberwolves last season (for the first time in 20 years) and the Knicks this season.

With his first NBA Finals in sight, the five-time NBA All-Star will take on another highly skilled big man, Indiana’s Myles Turner, who is also eyeing his first NBA Finals appearance as he completes his 10th season with the Pacers.