Doha: Mohamed Kanno struck in the 115th minute to seal a 2-1 extra-time victory for Saudi Arabia over Palestine, sending the Green Falcons into the FIFA Arab Cup semi-finals at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.
Feras Albrikan had opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, before Oday Dabbagh equalised six minutes later, pushing the thrilling quarter-final into extra-time in front of more than 77,000 fans in a mixed-support crowd.
Kanno delivered the decisive moment, rising to meet a precise cross from captain Salem Al Dawsari - who had also won the earlier penalty - as Herve Renard’s side stayed firmly on course in their title pursuit.
The Green Falcons will now face the winner of today’s quarter-final between Iraq and Jordan in Monday’s semi-final.
Despite the defeat, Ihab Abu Jazar’s Palestine exited the tournament with immense pride. They reached the finals through qualifiers - beating Libya - before topping a group that included Asian champions and hosts Qatar, last edition’s runners-up Tunisia and Syria.
The Lions of Canaan fought bravely throughout the contest and pushed Saudi Arabia to the limit in a gripping clash.
Action remained largely in the middle of the park early on, with both teams vying for control.
Al Dawsari, returning after being rested against Morocco, made the first attempt in the 10th minute, but his shot was deflected by Michael Termanini for a corner.
Musab Battat led the defensive effort for Palestine, repeatedly intercepting Saudi attacks in the final third.
Hamed Hamdan tested the opposition from distance with a powerful effort over the bar, while Ali Majrashi’s long-range attempt also sailed high, as clear-cut chances went begging.
Despite controlling possession, Saudi Arabia were repeatedly frustrated by resolute defending.
The deadlock continued when Hamdan made a crucial clearance, hitting away a cross from Al Dawsari that had slipped from goalkeeper Hamada Rami and was heading for an unmarked Albrikan.
Palestine started the second half strongly, winning back-to-back set-pieces.
Saudi Arabia responded when Al Dawsari surged down the left, brilliantly sprinting past defenders before being brought down by Mohammed Saleh.
The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and Albrikan calmly converted with a low strike to the left, sending Rami the wrong way.
Palestine quickly equalised through Ameed Sawafta’s assist to Dabbagh, who slotted home from the centre of the box.
Majrashi came close to restoring the lead with a strike that rattled the crossbar, while Rami denied Al Dawsari’s close-range header. Dabbagh also went close as both sides searched for a winner.
In stoppage time, Kanno’s potential winner was ruled offside, and Palestine were fortunate when VAR cleared Saleh for an apparent handball in the final moments before extra time.
The extra time saw a flurry of chances at both ends, with Saudi Arabia piling on pressure late in the second half.
Kanno finally delivered the decisive blow, rising to head home from close range and break Palestinian hearts.
