Sana'a: Shaab Sana'a qualified for the quarterfinals of the Yemeni Republic Cup football tournament after a hard-fought victory over Shabab Marakhah in a penalty shootout (4-3), following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time in the exciting match held at Al-Dharrafi Stadium in the capital, Sana'a.
According to Yemen News Agency, Shaab Sana'a finished the first half with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal by Basel Misri in the 30th minute. Misri headed in a corner kick taken by Mohammed Muftah.
In the second half, Shabab Marakhah started strongly, particularly with the enthusiastic support of the large crowd of fans from Shabwa Governorate who filled the stands at Al-Dharrafi Stadium.
After sustained pressure and intense attacks, Shabab Marakhah managed to equalize just minutes before the end of the second half.
With the score tied, the match went to penalties. Shaab Sana'a's goalkeeper, Ihab Haidara, was the hero, saving two penalties from Marakhah players, securing a 4-3 victory for Shaab Sana'a.
With this win, Shaab Sana'a will face Wahda Sana'a in the quarterfinals, with the date of the match yet to be determined. The match was attended by the Governor of Shabwa Governorate, Awad al-Awlaqi, Shura Council member Saif al-Mahdhar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the Sports Sector Ali Hadban, and members of the local authority and the governorate's executive office.
