Doha: The Algerian national team qualified for the quarterfinals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 after defeating Iraq 2-0 in their match Tuesday at Khalifa International Stadium. This was the final match of Group D in the tournament currently being held in Qatar with the participation of 16 teams.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Algerian team raised their points tally to seven, topping Group D, while Iraq finished second with six points. In the quarterfinals, Algeria will face the UAE, the runner-up in Group C, while Iraq will play Jordan, the Group C leader.
Algeria's goals were scored by Mohamed Tougai and an own goal by Iraqi defender Saad Natiq in the 45+1 and 46th minutes, respectively. The match was of a high standard, with the Algerian team dominating for much of the game and converting their control into two goals at the end and beginning of the first and second halves, respectively. In contrast, the Iraqi national team tried to match their Algerian counterparts and launched several dangerous attacks, but failed to convert them into goals.
They were also clearly affected by being reduced to ten men after Hussein Ali was sent off in the opening minutes of the match. The match began with great enthusiasm from both sides, and within four minutes, Iraqi player Hussein Ali was sent off after a violent tackle on Algerian player Yacine Brahimi. Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim decided to dismiss the player after consulting VAR.
The excitement continued for most of the first half, which was marked by a clear competitiveness between the two teams. Both attempted to organize numerous attacks, but neither managed to find the back of the net during regulation time. The situation changed in stoppage time when Algerian player Mohamed Tougai received a cross from his teammate Ashraf Abada on the right wing and headed it into the Iraqi net, scoring Algeria's first goal.
In the second half, the Algerian team continued their dominance and managed to extend their lead in the first minute, scoring a second goal when Yacine Brahimi broke down the right flank and delivered a cross towards the goal. Goalkeeper Fahad Talib made the initial save, but the ball rebounded off Iraqi defender Saad Natiq and into his own net. The Iraqi team attempted a comeback and launched several attacks on the Algerian goal, but they failed to find the net. Algeria also squandered several clear-cut chances against their Iraqi counterparts. The match ended with an Algerian victory, securing their place at the top of Group D.