Doha: Qatar national football team (Asian champion) will face Algeria (Desert Warriors) in today’s second semi-final to be played at Al Thumama Stadium.
Team Qatar are the only side in the tournament to win four straight matches. Algeria are also unbeaten in the event but lost points due to a draw against Egypt in their last group match.
Algeria knocked hot favorites Morocco out of the tournament after winning their thrilling quarter-final on penalties.
Team Qatar, who also went unbeaten during their Asian Cup triumph, have had the most potent attack at the Arab Cup, finding the net 11 times so far, compared to 10 for Egypt, nine for Algeria and eight for Tunisia.
The most recent encounter between Qatar and Algeria was a friendly and Qatar won 1-0.
Captain Hassan Al Haydos said Qatar are eagerly looking forward to make history by winning their maiden FIFA Arab Cup title but admitted his side faces a huge Algerian obstacle on their way to glory.
“It will be a very difficult semi-final as we are facing an Algerian team, which has best players with plenty of experience,” Al Haydos said on the sidelines of team’s training session.
The semi-final between Qatar and Algeria will kick off at 10pm tomorrow after Egypt will take on Tunisia in the first semi-final at Stadium 974, with kick off set for 6pm.
The final will be played at the 60000-seater Al Bayt Stadium on Dec.18 – the Qatar National Day.
Source: Qatar Olympic Committee