Qatar edge Oman to seal Asian Cup spot
Published: 07:06 PM,Jun 07,2021 | EDITED : 12:06 AM,Jun 08,2021
Asian champions Qatar edged Oman through a penalty goal from captain Hasan al Haydous to seal their berth in the Asian Cup China 2023 Finals, in Doha on Monday night.
Al Haydous slotted home from the penalty spot in the 39th minute of the Group E match of the joint qualifier for the World Cup 2022 Qatar and Asian Cup.
With their seventh win in the total eight games of the Group E qualifiers, Qatar finished their campaign on top with 22 points, 10 points ahead of second-placed Oman.
At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Oman coach Branko Ivankovic started with Abdulaziz al Muqbali and Mohsin al Ghassani in the forward line-up. Al Ghassani was substituted in the 50th minute to pave the way for veteran striker Khalid al Hajri.
Oman’s close chance within the first minute itself as Abdulaziz al Muqbali’s shot from inside the area was easily saved by goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.
Later on, Qatar strongly came into the match to control the proceedings.
Qatar continued to pile on the pressure but their finishing in front of goal left much to be desired as Mohammed Muntari and Hassan al Heidos both wasted opportunities to score.
Oman continued to frustrate their opponents as Branko Ivankovic’s men foiled Qatar’s every attempt at goal with Al Haydos given no room to operate inside the final third.
However, Oman resistance finally cracked when they conceded a penalty in the 39th minute following a foul on Almoez Ali as Al Haydos struck coolly from the spot to give Qatar a 1-0 lead going into the break.
In the second half, Oman began in a defensive mode as Qatar looked to extend their lead.
In the 52nd minute, Salah Al Yahyai had a good chance to draw Oman level when he collected the ball just inside the box following a swift counter attacking move but Abdelkarim Hassan was quick to foil his attempt.
Oman tried to pull off an equaliser in the final stages of the match but it was out of their reach as Qatar held on for the win.
Despite the defeat, the Red Warriors, who have 12 points from six matches, are still in a strong position to claim one of the qualifying spots for the best second-placed teams should they win their remaining matches against Afghanistan on Friday and Bangladesh four days later.
Felix Sanchez’s side had beaten India 1-0 on Thursday and needed only a draw against Oman to seal top spot in the group.
INDIA BLANK BANGLADESH
In an earlier Group E match at the same venue, India defeated Bangladesh 2-0 to revive their hopes for a place in the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
Sunil Chhetri struck twice in the closing minutes to complete a match dominated by India.
After numerous attempts, India’s persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan sent a beautiful cross from the left flank for Chhetri to head into the back of the net from the far post.
Chhetri then doubled India's lead in added time with a brilliant first touch as the ball raced past Bangladesh goalkeeper Anisur Rahman into the top left corner following excellent build-up play.
The win took India to third in the standings with the South Asians to conclude their campaign against Afghanistan on June 15.
(With inputs from AFC)
PICS: AFC
Al Haydous slotted home from the penalty spot in the 39th minute of the Group E match of the joint qualifier for the World Cup 2022 Qatar and Asian Cup.
With their seventh win in the total eight games of the Group E qualifiers, Qatar finished their campaign on top with 22 points, 10 points ahead of second-placed Oman.
At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Oman coach Branko Ivankovic started with Abdulaziz al Muqbali and Mohsin al Ghassani in the forward line-up. Al Ghassani was substituted in the 50th minute to pave the way for veteran striker Khalid al Hajri.
Oman’s close chance within the first minute itself as Abdulaziz al Muqbali’s shot from inside the area was easily saved by goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.
Later on, Qatar strongly came into the match to control the proceedings.
Qatar continued to pile on the pressure but their finishing in front of goal left much to be desired as Mohammed Muntari and Hassan al Heidos both wasted opportunities to score.
Oman continued to frustrate their opponents as Branko Ivankovic’s men foiled Qatar’s every attempt at goal with Al Haydos given no room to operate inside the final third.
However, Oman resistance finally cracked when they conceded a penalty in the 39th minute following a foul on Almoez Ali as Al Haydos struck coolly from the spot to give Qatar a 1-0 lead going into the break.
In the second half, Oman began in a defensive mode as Qatar looked to extend their lead.
In the 52nd minute, Salah Al Yahyai had a good chance to draw Oman level when he collected the ball just inside the box following a swift counter attacking move but Abdelkarim Hassan was quick to foil his attempt.
Oman tried to pull off an equaliser in the final stages of the match but it was out of their reach as Qatar held on for the win.
Despite the defeat, the Red Warriors, who have 12 points from six matches, are still in a strong position to claim one of the qualifying spots for the best second-placed teams should they win their remaining matches against Afghanistan on Friday and Bangladesh four days later.
Felix Sanchez’s side had beaten India 1-0 on Thursday and needed only a draw against Oman to seal top spot in the group.
INDIA BLANK BANGLADESH
In an earlier Group E match at the same venue, India defeated Bangladesh 2-0 to revive their hopes for a place in the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
Sunil Chhetri struck twice in the closing minutes to complete a match dominated by India.
After numerous attempts, India’s persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan sent a beautiful cross from the left flank for Chhetri to head into the back of the net from the far post.
Chhetri then doubled India's lead in added time with a brilliant first touch as the ball raced past Bangladesh goalkeeper Anisur Rahman into the top left corner following excellent build-up play.
The win took India to third in the standings with the South Asians to conclude their campaign against Afghanistan on June 15.
(With inputs from AFC)
PICS: AFC