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Al Annabi score 1-1 draw against Syria in exciting encounter, book ticket for AFC U-23 Championship Finals
IKOLI VICTOR
Doha
Qatar secured a berth in the AFC U-23 Championship Finals after being held to a 1-1 by Syria at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd on Sunday.
Qatar topped Group C of the qualifiers with seven points from three matches, while Syria finished in second place with five points. India finished in third place after it defeated Turkmenistan u8206?3-1.
Hussain al Brake scored a stunning goal from a free kick to give Qatar a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute.
The left-footed defender curled in the ball past a six-man Syrian wall. Enterprising forward Almoez Ali attracted a foul from the opponent vital area after he was hacked down for Brake to score from about 23 metres.
It was a cagey affair in the opening minutes as both sides played cautiously knowing that a win for either side would automatically put them on top of Group C.
There were limited chances but Akram Afif's shot could have given Qatar the lead but his effort blazed wide.
u8206?Mouhammed Muhtabi equalised with a perfect header to beat goalkeeper Mohamed al Bakari on the hour mark. The tall striker leapt past Tarek Salman and Bassam al Rawi to connect a cross from the left flank to level the tie.
The Syrians grew more confident throwing men forward but Qatar still managed to keep possession.
With time running out, Syria nearly took the lead when Mouhammedu8206? scuffed a golden opportunity from close range as his soft touch crossed the face of Qatar's goal.
Consolation win for India
India couldn't make the grade but finished off their Group C campaign in the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers with a 3-1 victory over Turkmenistan at the Al Sadd Stadium.
India, with three points, finished third in the group, behind hosts Qatar and Syria. Turkmenistan finished last in the four-team group. Manvir Singh, Alen Deory and Jerry Lalrinzuala (penalty) scored the goals for India on Sunday.
Earlier, Turkmenistan took the lead in the 13th minute, through Hojovov Hoshgeldi. The defender blasted in a free-kick from outside the area, giving no chance to India goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
India got a lucky break in the 40th minute when Manvir Singh got a deflected pass and was played onside by Turkmenistan defender Mirsultanov Dovletgeldi, who then missed an opportunity to clear the ball.
Manvir took his time and calmly placed the bouncing ball to the left of keeper Berdiyev Dovletyar.
India took the lead in the 71st minute after a flowing move down the right involving Chandrasekhar, Manvir and Alen Deory who finished off with a left footer.
Soon it was 3-1 when a free-kick hit Turkmenistan midfielder Ashyrov Mekan's hand inside the area and referee Kim Hee Gon pointed to the spot after hesitating initially.
Oman rejoice in Bishkek
Oman secured a spot in the AFC U-23 Championship Finals after beating Islamic Republic of Iran 2-0 in their Group A match at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Sunday. In the first half, both sides adopted a cautious approach knowing that a win would put them on top of Group A. Reza Jafari’s shot could have given Iran the lead in the 11th minute but his effort lacked precision.
Although Oman controlled the pace of the game, Iran’s Ali Gholizadeh came close to breaking the deadlock in the 45th minute but it struck the crossbar.
Three minutes after the restart, the Omanis opened the scoring after Jameel Al Yahmadi finished Al-Mandhar Al Alawi’s (pictured below, left) cross, before Muhsen Al Ghassani doubled their advantage 71 minutes into the game and with that, a ticket to China next year. (AFC.com)
