Hamid Ismail (second right) celebrates after scoring Qatar’s fourth goal with team-mates during the Asian Cup semi-final match against UAE in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
A scintillating display helped Qatar trounce hosts UAE 4-0 to reach their maiden Asian Cup final.
Yesterday, at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, coach Felix Sanchez’s side overcame a hostile crowd atmosphere to register a resounding win and set up a title clash with four-time champions Japan.
Boualem Khoukhi, Almoez Ali, Hassan Al Haydos and substitute Hamid Ismail were all on target as Qatar became the first team not concede a goal in the opening six matches of the Asian Cup.
Qatar, who have now scored 16 goals in six matches without any response, struck twice in each half against UAE to silence the home fans.
In the first half, Khoukhi and Ali found their names on the scorers list and on resumption, Al Haydos and Ismail piled up the misery for the home side.
Qatar started on a bright note enjoying more ball possession but could not trouble the scorers before the 20-minute mark. The winners attained success in the 22nd minute.
Khoukhi’s angular shot from the edge of the box broke through the defense of UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa and ended in the back of the net, 1-0.
There was a pin-drop silence at the stadium and some disappointed fans threw water bottles and slippers at the Qatari players on multiple occasions.
Al Annabi added a second one in the 37th minute, which turned out to be a gem of goal from Ali.
The speedy Qatari striker’s curling effort beat the diving Eisa all ends up.
Ali’s eighth goal of the tournament took him level with Iranian great Ali Daei for most goals in a single AFC Asian Cup campaign.
In the second half, Qatar added a third goal in the 80th minute with Al Haydos getting his name on the scores list, beating the advancing keeper with a gentle chip in an one-to-one situation.
Qatar completed the humiliation with a fourth goal in injury time.
Substitute Ismail, who came in for Akram Afif in the 90th minute, beat the UAE keeper with his right footed try to give Al Annabi a facile win.
An eerie of silence enveloped the Stadium with the final whistle with home fans departing in despair while the Qatari players were ushered into the locker room by the security officials.
Full credit to Qatar, a solid and professional performance from the men in maroon with Sanchez getting the best from his well drilled side with Al Annabi emerging as worthy winners.
However, it was a night to forget for UAE.
