Asian champions Qatar on Monday crushed the UAE 4-2 to reach the semi-finals of the 2019 Gulf Cup after a pulsating battle at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium.

A packed crowd saw Akram Afif - who won the Asian Player of the Year award a couple of hours before the kick-off on Monday - fired two goals (20, 28 p) as Qatar produced a commanding show on home soil. 

Qatar captain Hassan Al Haydos scored the third goal of the Group A match while Bualem Khoukhi added the fourth (90 + 4) in injury time. 

For the UAE, Ali Mabkhout scored two goals (33 p and 77). 
Qatar will play the winner of Group B.

Three-time Qatar last won the Gulf Cup in 2014 when they beat hosts Saudi Arabia in the final.

Earlier this year, Qatar beat the UAE 4-0 in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup which they went to win the tournament by crushing Japan 3-1.