Kuala Lumpur: Two first-half goals from Qusai al Jaradi steered Oman to a 2-0 win over Yemen in an AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 Group B tie at the MBPJ Stadium on Friday. In the opening minutes of the match, both sides were eager to find the back of the net as they exchanged possession with every run, promising an exciting match ahead. In the 14th minute, Oman’s Al Azhar al Balushi lobbed the ball over the Yemeni defence to find an unmarked Qusai, who calmly slid the ball past goalkeeper Abdullah al Saadi, bounced off the upright and into the goal for the lead.
The goal served as a confidence booster for Yaqoub al Sabahi’s side as they moved with a spring in their step and continuously threatened with their attacks from the flank.
And in one such instance in the 35th minute, Yemen’s defence cracked under the Omani pressure and Fahad al Rasbi sent a pinpoint cross into the box that saw Qusai secure his second goal of the night with a fine header.
Yaqoub al Sabahi: Oman head coach
“It’s important to start well, and that’s what happened in this game. (Before the game) we gave them the confidence, and told them what our strengths were. Sure, we didn’t have much information about them, but our players fought for 90 minutes. We had many big chances to score, but we need to continue to work on these things. We have a lot of information on Jordan, and I think they are the best in group. But for now, we will give our boys time to be happy with this win, and then prepare for the next match tomorrow.”
Magdy Sayed Shalaby: Yemen head coach
“I’m so proud of these players. I’m sorry to our spectators and the people of Yemen for the result, but we’re also proud of the players. The future of this team is very good, because we are preparing them the best we can. We will prepare better for the match with DPR Korea.”
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