Ranzi Sports

In a pulsating quarterfinal clash at Lusail Stadium on December 11, 2025, Saudi Arabia overcame Palestine 2-1 after extra time to advance in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The match captivated 77,197 roaring fans, pitting the tournament’s resilient underdogs against the favored Greens in a battle rich with regional rivalry and historic stakes. Palestine’s dream run, marked by group-stage triumphs over Qatar and draws with Syria and Tunisia, met its match in a Saudi side unbeaten in nine prior encounters.

Gritty Opening Exchanges

Saudi Arabia dominated possession early, yet Palestine’s compact defense frustrated their attacks, limiting clear chances to a single shot on target in the first half. Goalkeeper Rami Hamada shone, tipping Salem Al-Dawsari’s curling cross-shot away, while Hamed Hamdan’s audacious long-range strike nearly caught the Saudis off guard. The half ended goalless, with both teams trading probing passes under the Doha lights, setting a tense tone for the knockout spectacle.

Penalty Turns the Tide

The second half ignited in the 58th minute when VAR awarded Saudi Arabia a penalty after Al-Dawsari tumbled in the box under Mohammed Saleh’s challenge. Firas Al-Buraikan stepped up coolly, drilling low past Hamada to break the deadlock and ignite the Saudi bench. Palestine refused to fold, equalizing swiftly in the 64th minute as Oday Dabbagh latched onto a lofted pass, spun his marker, and unleashed a thunderous right-footed drive into the top corner.

Late Drama Forces Extra Time

Dabbagh’s strike electrified the Palestinian supporters, echoing their knockout prowess from the AFC Asian Cup. Saudi Arabia responded furiously, with Ali Majrashi’s vicious volley clipping the bar and a Saud Abdulhamid effort cleared off the line.

A second penalty claim against Saleh for handball was overturned by VAR, while Mohamed Kanno’s late goal was ruled offside, dragging the contest into extra time amid fervent appeals from both sets of players.​

Kanno’s Heroic Winner

Extra time saw weary legs but unrelenting intensity. Saudi Arabia pinned Palestine back, and in the 115th minute, Kanno timed his run perfectly to meet a precise cross with a diving header, burying it past Hamada for the decisive blow. Dabbagh spurned a golden chance moments later, volleying wide when clean through, sealing Palestine’s valiant exit and propelling Saudi Arabia toward a semifinal against Jordan or Iraq.

Standout Stars and Tactical Insights

Kanno emerged as the match-winner, his aerial prowess tipping the scales, while Al-Buraikan’s composure and Dabbagh’s clinical edge defined the goals. Palestine’s high press disrupted Saudi rhythm, but the Greens’ depth and set-piece execution proved superior in the end. Coach Saleh’s substitutions injected fresh legs for Palestine, yet Saudi Arabia’s experience in tight games shone through.​

Electric Fan Frenzy

Lusail pulsed with green and red flags, chants echoing across the stands as families and ultras created a cauldron of noise. Palestinian fans’ unwavering support underscored football’s unifying power amid broader challenges, while Saudi celebrations remained respectful post-whistle.​

Tournament Implications:

This result underscores Saudi Arabia’s quarterfinal pedigree and keeps their Arab Cup title defense alive. Palestine departs with pride, having elevated Arab football’s narrative. Semifinals loom Monday, promising more high-stakes action in Qatar