Qatar in dreamland after their late victory saw them through [AFP]

Saddiq's strike spelt heartbreak for defending champions United Arab Emirates, who needed Qatar to draw after losing 3-0 to Saudi Arabia in a game that finished minutes earlier at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex across the city.

Too good to be true

Emirati players stayed on the pitch at the final whistle on Sunday, barely daring to believe that Qatar had fluffed their chance to go through against Yemen, who had shipped nine goals in their two previous games.

But their heads dropped and they filed into the dressing room as news filtered through of the incredible events at the Royal Oman Police Stadium 12km away.

Qatar, who started the night in third place in group B with two points while UAE and Saudi both had four, took the lead through Mousa Haroun in the 13th minute as they looked to build a commanding lead over the Gulf Cup whipping boys.

But striker Ali Al-Nono scored his and Yemen's second goal of the tournament from the penalty spot after half an hour as 2004 champions Qatar struggled to get back in the game.

Metsu 'mare

Metsu desperately tries to turn the tide [AFP]

The long-haired Frenchman grasped his locks in disbelief as rangy striker Sebastien Soria skied a glorious chance five minutes into added time, a moment that surely spelt redemption for the waiting UAE squad.

But in a mad final two minutes, two Yemeni players were sent off within the space of 10 seconds as Mohammed Saleh brought down a Qatar attacker on the edge of the box and then Zaher Farid fumed at the referee's decision.

As the pair finally stomped off the pitch, Saddiq took two steps and planted a perfect curling shot over the wall and into the bottom left hand corner to spark contrasting scenes of joy and dismay at the two stadiums.

'Big sadness'

"The players are very, very, very disappointed with the result and I will try and work with them on that ahead of our Asian Cup qualifiers," said UAE coach Dominique Bathenay.

"This is football – sometimes you have big joy, and sometimes you have big sadness."

Saudi Arabia's players were meanwhile oblivious to the torment of their opponents as they danced in front of their fans to celebrate a second-half demolition job against the cup holders.

The Saudis, who have scored nine goals on their way to qualifying top of group B, struggled against the UAE attacking trio of Mohammed Al-Shihi, Ismail Al-Hamadi and Ismail Matar in the first 45 – although they should have taken the lead when Usamah Hawsawi missed an easy header from two yards out.

But 13 minutes into the second half, striker Yasser Al-Qahtani – looking every inch the casual weekend player with his untucked shirt, rolled down socks and barrel chest – showed why his team are regulars at the World Cup.

Ahmed Al-Furaidi chipped a lovely pass over the defence, Al-Qahtani chested it down, took a touch past keeper Majid Nasser and stroked an easy finish.

Dhosari dribble

Say cheese: Saudi Arabia get one for the photo album [AFP]

Just two minutes later Al-Qahtani was again released down the middle by Tayseer Al-Jasim.

Instead of going for goal himself, Al-Qahtani drew Nasser before unselfishly passing for Al-Furaidi to score into an empty net.

"We created some good opportunities but after the Saudis scored we had to go forward and we were caught on the counter-attack," said Bathenay.

Saudi Arabia go into their semi-final with Kuwait as hot favourites – with coach Nasser Johar determined to carry the trophy they last won in 2003 back to Riyadh.

"Before the tournament people were saying we were just here to prepare for the Asian Cup qualification," he said.

"But we are here to win."

Oman take on Qatar at the Sulatan Qaboos Sports Complex at 14:00 GMT on January 14, with Saudi Arabia kicking off against Kuwait at the same venue three hours later.

The final takes place on January 17.