In a historic step … Annabi to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup

Qatar qualified for the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, after overcoming the obstacle of Salvador today with three goals to two, in the quarter-finals in Glendale.

Al-Moez Ali (two goals), Abdulaziz Hatem scored the goals of the Asian champion and Joaquin Rivas (63 and 66) scored the goals for El Salvador.

Qatar will face in the semi-finals next Thursday the winner from the United States, which has been awarded six times, and Jamaica.

After his two goals against Salvador, Al-Moez Ali (24 years) leads the scorers’ standings with four goals, as the Al-Duhail striker scored his first early goal with a right shot from solo inside the penalty area in the second minute of the meeting, and the second from a penalty kick in the 55th minute, while Al-Aziz Hatem, Al-Rayyan player, came with a superb shot from the 18th line which deceived the goalkeeper (8th minute).

Qatar dominated the first half, and playmaker Akram Afif shone. However, Annabi fell in the second half, allowing Salvador to dominate and score two goals through Rivas.

Qatar topped Group D after drawing with Panama 3-3, then winning against Grenada 4-0, and Honduras 2-0.

Qatar’s participation in the tournament comes within the framework of its preparations to host the 2022 World Cup. The Asian champion also participated in many international competitions, including the Copa America in Brazil 2019, and the European qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, during which they faced European teams, after being invited to participate as part of Qatar’s preparation for hosting the World Cup.