Qatar take on Kuwait in under-22 tie today

Agencies /Malacca, Malaysia

Qatar players train in Malacca yesterday

Qatar take on Kuwait in their fourth clash in the Under-22 Asian Cup qualifiers, knowing a win can help them put pressure on points leaders Iran. Qatar are tied with Kuwait for second place in Group C with 6 points each. Iran are at the top with three wins in as many games. Coached by Alain Perrin, Qatar take on Tajikistan on July 3. Qatar impressed in the first match but struggled in the second before showing signs of improvement on Thursday. Perrin’s side impressed with hard-fought win against Bahrain on Thursday, giving hope to a young team. A win against Kuwait will certainly help Qatar jump ahead of Kuwait on the points tally and put pressure on group leaders Iran. Iran on Thursday eased to their third straight win in Group C as Ali Reza Mansourian’s men defeated the Maldives 7-0 to move three points clear of Qatar and Kuwait. Having already defeated the Arab duo in their opening two fixtures, Iran had emerged as the group favourites and they reinforced that status as they raced to a 3-0 lead over the Maldives with just 21 minutes on the board.Also today, Iran take on Tajikistan while Bahrain battle Maldives in other Group C clashes. Qatar’s match takes place at Hang Jebat Stadium.

Qatar drawn with UAE and Kuwait

Qatar were drawn against the UAE and Kuwait in Group Aof the GCC Under-23 Football Championship.In Group B, Oman have been slotted with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.The championship will be held in Doha from September 1 to 11, officials said on Friday.The new event will help the GCC nations build stronger senior sides for top events.In another development, Qatar were drawn against Kuwait and Bahrainfor the GCC Under-17 Football Championships planned from September 22 to October 1.The UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia are in Group B of the event to be heldin Kuwait.