DOHA: Saudi Arabia ended Palestine’s impressive Arab Cup run with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory on Thursday, securing their place in the semi-finals after a tense quarter-final in Al Rayyan.

Herve Renard’s side dominated long spells of the first half, probing patiently against a disciplined Palestinian defence that had kept two clean sheets in the group stage.

The Green Falcons came closest late in the opening period when a deep cross opened up space for Feras Al-Buraikan, only for Hamed Hamdan to produce a crucial last-ditch clearance.

Saudi Arabia eventually broke through early in the second half via their talisman Salem Al-Dawsari, whose sharp first touch drew a foul from Mohammed Saleh inside the area.

Al-Buraikan converted the ensuing penalty with confidence to give the Saudis a deserved lead.

But Palestine responded immediately.

Oday Dabbagh controlled a cross from Hassan Altambakti with a superb first touch before finishing clinically to level the match and reignite hopes of a historic semi-final berth.

Saudi Arabia thought they had a chance to retake the lead late on when they were awarded another penalty, but VAR overturned the decision. With the teams locked at 1-1, the match went to extra time.

Just as a shootout loomed, Mohamed Kanno delivered the decisive moment, rising to head home a pinpoint cross from Al-Dawsari and send the Green Falcons into the final four, while bringing an admirable Palestinian campaign to an end.