Qatar U-19 coach Felix Sanchez Bas
Coach Felix Sanchez Bas praised his Qatar players for overcoming the intense environment created by Myanmar’s home fans in the 3-2 semi-final extra-time victory over the hosts in the AFC U-19 Championship at a packed Thuwunna Youth Training Centre Stadium on Monday.
Despite taking the lead in first-half stoppage time through Almoez Ali, Qatar saw their goal advantage disappear in two stunning second-half minutes as first Aung Thu netted on the 62nd minute and then Nyein Chan Aung headed home shortly after.
But despite the passionate Myanmar crowd raising the roof with their fervent support, Sanchez Bas’ side were able to stage a comeback with Akram Afif nailing a long-range free-kick on 75 minutes to tie the scores and defender Serigne Abdou scoring the eventual winner in the first minute of extra-time.
“I am so proud and happy with the boys tonight, they gave a lot of effort against a good team in a great environment for football,” said Qatar coach Sanchez Bas, whose side will face DPR Korea in tomorrow’s final.
“Playing in this full stadium was a great experience for the players and the fact that they conceded two second-half goals so quickly and still came back to win makes me very satisfied.
“It was definitely the hardest game we have played so far, especially in such a lively atmosphere.”
Although Ali was a key figure in the tie, scoring the opener and also assisting the third goal, Sanchez Bas insisted that it was the togetherness of his team that had secured Qatar’s first ever AFC U-19 Championship final.
“Although Almoez was the one put the ball in the net for the opener, our side is really about team-work, it’s that and our good team spirit that have taken us to the final,” added the Spaniard.
In spite of the defeat, Myanmar coach Gerd Zeise was equally satisfied with his players’ performance, as were their supporters who applauded the team from the field at the final whistle.
“Such a match I can lose without being angry, the spectators were satisfied by the level of the Myanmar football today,” said the German.
“We could have scored three times in the last few minutes but Qatar are a great team and also a lucky team.
“When you watch this match today, everyone who has seen and watched Myanmar play will know who we are and that we can play good football, too.”
Having qualified for a first-ever appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup by virtue of finishing amongst the top four sides at the tournament, Zeise’s attention will now turn to the finals in New Zealand next year.
“It’s important now that these young players prepare well in the upcoming seven months for the World Cup,” added Zeise.
“I will need to find more players for the team, I don’t have the luxury of being able to have a number ten on the bench like Qatar did today – we really need to improve the depth of quality in our squad.
“We’ve got a good starting eleven but after that there is quite a drop-off and this must change.”
