Desert Foxes Bag Easy 2-0 Victory at Stunning Al Thumama
By SCM Staff Writer in Qatar
DOHA, QATAR – Algeria cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Iraq in the FIFA Arab Cup last night, but the real star of the show was the dazzling ground that hosted the clash: the Al Thumama Stadium.
The stunning 40,000-seater, which is set to be a major venue for the next World Cup, lived up to its billing, providing a breathtaking backdrop to Algeria’s dominant Group D performance.
The stadium’s design, inspired by the traditional gahfiya (the intricate woven cap worn by men across the Middle East), looked nothing short of cap-tivating under the floodlights.
The atmosphere inside the incredible, crisp white arena was electric, with the North African crowd creating a wall of noise that propelled their team to victory.
While the scoreline reads a clinical 2-0, the venue itself is arguably the biggest talking point. Designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the Al Thumama isn’t just a football stadium; it’s a monumental work of art and a powerful cultural statement, symbolizing dignity and pride.
The cooling system, a necessity in the desert heat, was working perfectly, ensuring the pitch remained a perfect surface for the Desert Foxes to play their flowing football.
Algeria settled the tie with a quickfire goal either side of the interval. Defender Mohamed Amine Tougai headed home a massive opener in first-half stoppage time (45+1′) to send the fans wild.
The second arrived barely a minute after the break when an unfortunate own goal from Iraq’s Saad Natiq (46′) sealed the deal, giving the Desert Foxes a healthy cushion they never looked like giving up.
The final whistle confirmed the 2-0 result, leaving Algeria firmly atop Group D and already eyeing the knockout stages.
But as fans left the majestic stadium, one thing was clear: football’s future, and its stunning new architecture, has arrived in style. The gahfiya is officially the new fashion item in world sport!
