The UAE national football team are in full celebration on The National Sport front page on Saturday, January 24 after their remarkable victory over Japan in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.
After taking a 1-0 lead through striker Ali Mabkhout, the UAE were pegged back with nine minutes of regular time remaining by Gaku Shibasaki.
The contest went to penalties after neither side could find the decisive goal in extra-time, and it was the UAE that prevailed 5-4 from the spot.
Given Japan are defending champions and were favourites to retain their title, the UAE’s achievement is magnificent. They next face hosts Australia for a place in the final.
Coach Mahdi Ali praised his team’s spirit following the victory.
RELATED:
— Unsung UAE substitutes prove their worth from the spot at Asian Cup
— Victory shows UAE coach Mahdi Ali is as good as his word
— UAE move on to semi-finals at 2015 Asian Cup — in pictures
Follow us on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE
