Asian Cup Qualifiers: Qatar U-23 book ticket to Uzbekistan after draw with Syria

Doha: Qatar booked a spot in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 following a 1-1 draw with Syria in their final Group A qualifying tie in Doha, yesterday.

The result took Qatar to seven points for top spot while Syria finished second on five but face a nervous wait to know whether they will advance as one of the best second-placed teams. 

Yemen, meanwhile, ended their campaign with a 1-1 win over Sri Lanka in Group A’s other match yesterday. 

Syria came into the tie needing three points to pip Qatar to the top spot and they started promisingly.

They pressed high in the opening minutes as Qatar were forced to defend deep and Syria’s early aggression paid off when they took the lead in the 18th minute.

Qatar failed to cleanly clear a corner and the ball landed invitingly for Ali Bashmani, whose shot took a deflection before settling in the back of the net.

Stung into action, Qatar pressed forward and came close on several occasions but had to wait till the 45th minute for the equaliser.

A clumsy challenge by Diaa Alhak Al Mohammad saw Ahmed Al Ganehi brought down in the penalty area with Mohammed Waad sending the ball past a diving Mohamad Anas Al Bittar. 

Syria held the major share of possession in the second half but the goal they needed eluded them as Qatar held on for a draw which assured them top spot in the group.

Meanwhile, Yemen came into the tie having drawn 1-1 against Syria, while the South Asians were seeking their first point in their qualifying campaign.

Sri Lanka held their own before conceding at the half hour mark following Omar Al Dahi’s free-kick as Yemen took a 1-0 lead going into the break.

Amin Al Sunaini’s charges kicked into high gear in the second half, doubling their advantage through Emad Al Godaimah’s long-range effort at the hour mark before Nasser Al Gahwashi sealed victory for Yemen eight minutes later.