Arab Cup 2025: Algeria knocked out by United Arab Emirates

Algeria’s A’ national team saw its 2025 Arab Cup journey end in brutal fashion at Al Bayt Stadium, falling to the United Arab Emirates on penalties after a fierce, exhausting quarter-final.

The match finished 1-1 in normal time before the Emiratis edged the shootout 7-6, dealing the Verts a cruel blow after they had taken control early in the second half.

Madjid Bougherra’s men started with seriousness and clear intent, and their efforts were rewarded just after the break when forward Adil Boulbina struck in the 46th minute to give Algeria the lead and ignite hopes of a place in the semi-finals.

Riding that momentum, Algeria enjoyed a strong spell, but a lapse at the back on 64 minutes allowed Bruno Oliveira to equalise for the UAE, swinging the pressure back onto the Algerian side.

Both teams created chances in a tense finale, yet neither managed to find a decisive goal, sending the tie to a penalty shootout, always a ruthless decider. The narrow defeat represents a major disappointment for a group that carried big ambitions, but the performance also highlighted promising potential and areas to build on in future tournaments.