The UAE national football team lost to Morocco 0-3 in the semi-final of the Arab Cup, held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. After the match, team captain Ali Saleh stated that the players will review their approach in the coming period. He thanked the UAE fans for their support but noted that the short rest period between matches is no excuse. The Atlas Lions of Morocco advanced to the final, while the White of the UAE will play for third place. The UAE team paid a heavy price for fatal defensive errors and missed opportunities. In the first half, the Whites were unconvincing, although they created several dangerous chances in the second. UAE goalkeeper Hamd al-Makbali had an outstanding performance. Morocco took the lead in the 28th minute with a goal from Karim al-Burkaa, adding two more in the second half from Ahmed al-Muhdi and Abdelrazak Hamdallah. The UAE team tried to stage a comeback, but Morocco defended solidly and scored on the counter-attack.
