Qatar defeat Egypt to clinch third place at FIFA Arab Cup 2021

Doha: Qatar has joined the podium of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup after defeating Egypt on penalties in the tournament’s third-place match.   The heated game on Saturday seemed like it could be heading in either direction as both teams managed near-equal possession of the ball, with Egypt slightly taking the upper hand in the final minutes. But the match at Doha’s Stadium 974 went to extra time after Egypt’s several attempts on goal were stopped by Qatar’s illustrious goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham.   No goals were scored either in the extra 30 minutes. In the dramatic penalty shootout that followed, Qatar won by 5-4, with Barsham again the hero.   Both teams had scored in the final minutes of stoppage time of their respective semi-final fixtures to clinch a spot in Saturday’s highly anticipated final at Al Bayt Stadium.   The match, which coincides with Qatar’s national day celebrations, seals a successful tournament for the hosts ahead of next year’s World Cup.  

HH the Amir Attends FIFA Arab Cup Closing Ceremony

Doha- (QNA) - HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the closing ceremony of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, at Al Bayt Stadium this evening. The closing ceremony was attended by HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa A-Thani, HH Personal Representative of HH the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, and a number of Their Excellences Sheikhs and Ministers. The ceremony was also attended by HE President of FIFA Gianni Infantino, HE President of the Asian Football Confederation Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, HE President of the Confederation of African Football Patrice Motsepe, a number of Their Excellencies ministers and heads of Olympic committees and federations in the brotherly Arab countries, Their Excellencies the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the state, senior officials in the sports sector and a large audience. HH the Amir witnessed the final match between Tunisia and Algeria, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Algeria. HH the Amir handed over the championship trophy to Algeria. (QNA)   

Curtain comes down on Qatar National Day Close Padel Tournament

Doha: The Qatar National Day Close Padel Tournament was concluded at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and Ali bin Hamad Al-Attiy Arena of Al Sadd Sports Club on Friday.   The event was organized by the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) under the auspices of the State National Day Celebrations Organizing Committee and the QOC. The QTSBF Secretary General Tareq Zainal crowned the winners. The medal ceremony was attended by the Tournament Director Sultan Khalfan and Assistant Tournament Director Abdulhadi Al Marri.  Jabour Al Motawa and Mohammed Al Khenji won the title of Category (A) after beating Abdulaziz Saadoun Al Kuwari and Abdullah Al Hijji in the final match. Abdullah Kafoud and Ahmed Al Baker claimed the title of Category (B) after beating Fahad Al Thani and Mohammed Al Thani in the final match while Ahmad Al Mohammadi and Abdulaziz Zainal won the title of Group (C) following their victory over Abdulla Al Adsani and Hamad Al Hammadi. Rashid Al Subaey and Fahad Al Thani hoisted the trophy of Juniors U18 Years Category after beating Abdullah Al Baker and Khalid Al Motawa in in the final match. Rodha Al Thani and Maha Al Saadi claimed the title of Women's event after beating Al Anood Al Mana and Maha Al Ghanim in the final match.  On this occasion, the QTSBF Secretary General Tareq Zainal, said "Qatar National Day Close Padel Tournament comes in light of the country's national day celebrations. This type of events will help boost the togetherness of our beloved nation as they are bringing together the whole community not only professional athletes".  Jabour Al Motawa who claimed the title of Category (A) thanked the QOC, the QTSBF and the State National Day Celebrations Organizing Committee for holding this tournament to mark our national day.  Al Motawa also lauded the huge success of the event and growing popularity of Padel and Qatar and whole world.  Abdullah Kafoud who hoisted the trophy of Category (B) said "I am very happy for winning the title of (B) category as this level of organization and support for Padel in Qatar is phenomenal and we look forward to many more such events for Padel in the future." The game of Padel is a sport that combines the best elements of tennis and squash, which turned out to be one of the fastest growing sports in the world, especially in Qatar after hosting the 2021 edition of World Padel Championship last month where Spain claimed the title of Men's and Women's events.  

Qatar confident ahead of third place play-off

DOHA: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez exuded confidence ahead of Qatar’s play-off match for the third place against Egypt on Saturday. Despite the 2-1 semifinal defeat against Algeria, Sanchez reposed faith his squad as the reigning Asian champions look forward to end their campaign on a positive note. “The team showed great fighting spirit against Algeria,” said Sanchez at the pre-match press conference on Friday.   With the game heading towards the extra time after both the teams were locked 1-1, Abdulaziz Hatem committed a foul against Yacine Brahimi that gave helped Algeria score the winner from the spot.    “I cannot blame the players as they made every effort in the match. An individual mistake cost us the penalty. I will tell them better luck,” added the Spaniard. Egypt is going to be a difficult side, but still the highly-spirited performances of the Annabis in the tournament should bolster their confidence. “Now we will focus on the third place match and give our best effort to finish the tournament on a high note,” said Sanchez.     

Qatar lose to Algeria in Arab Cup Semifinals

DOHA: African champions Algeria edged Asian champions Qatar 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final of the FIFA Arab Cup that saw two goals being scored in the stoppage time at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday night.       Qatar, trailing after a 59th minute goal by Hocine Benayada, leveled the score through substitute Muhammad Muntari, who put the header in seventh minute of stoppage time. But Mohammed Belaili shattered home team’s title hopes after netting the ball from a rebound following his (90+17 minutes) penalty kick.  Algeria will play Saturday’s final against Tunisia, who defeated Egypt 1-0 in the first semi-final while hosts Qatar will now hope to finish third as they face The Pharaohs, the same day.  

Qatar to face Algeria in Arab Cup Semifinals

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.