DOHA (ALETIHAD)
The UAE national team will face Morocco on Monday at the Khalifa International Stadium in the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, being held in the capital of Doha.
With the exit of defending champions Algeria at the quarter-final stage at the hands of the UAE, there will be a new name engraved on the FIFA Arab Cup trophy later this week.
Just four nations remain alive with a pair of heavyweight semi-finals in store. First up, it’s the last remaining African nation, Morocco that will clash with the UAE in Al Rayyan before an all-Asian affair in Al Khor where Saudi Arabia and Jordan tussle at Al Bayt Stadium.
The team is aiming to continue its journey toward the final, with its sights firmly set on lifting the title.
The UAE secured its place in the semi-finals after defeating Algeria on penalties in the quarter-finals, while Morocco advanced by overcoming Syria.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Romanian manager for the UAE, Cosmin Olaroiu, said: “An important match awaits us against Morocco. Reaching the semi-final stage of such a major tournament is a significant achievement. We have faced many tough matches and the atmosphere within the team is positive.
“Playing against a team as big as Morocco is already difficult, and when you reach this stage of the tournament, mental preparation becomes a crucial factor, especially under difficult circumstances. I am confident the players will give their all to achieve victory.”
While goalkeeper Hamad Al Meqbaali proved to be the hero against Algeria, the backup goalie Adel Al Hosani was present along with Olaroiu at the pre-match conference to assure the UAE fans that “the team will give their best in such a difficult match” and they are counting on the fan support.
Both these nations fell in the quarters four years ago and are aiming to reach the final for the first time. Morocco are one of just two undefeated nations at the tournament and are in the midst of a rich vein of form, although they will be without the suspended defender Mohamed Moufid and with fitness doubts over influential forward Tarik Tissoudali.
“We have some players that are missing, but we will overcome these obstacles and be ready for the upcoming matches,” said Morocco forward Walid Azaro. “We’ve had some issues, but what’s important is that we find solutions.”
UAE overcame a first-round defeat against Jordan in the group stage to show steady improvement before eliminating defending champions Algeria on penalties in the quarters.
Olaroiu remains without several injured players, led by Fabio Lima and Khalid Eisa but will have been delighted by the growing presence of young keeper Al Meqbaali and dynamic line leaders Caio Lucas and Bruno.