Syrian players celebrate after their win over Qatar in the semi-finals of the West Asian Football Federation under-23 Championship at Lekhwiya Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Othman al-Samarrai
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Qatar’s Olympic Under-23 football team went down to Syria 0-2 in the semi-finals of the 2015 West Asian Football Federation Championship (WAFF) U-23 Championship at Lekhwiya Stadium in Doha yesterday.
The first goal was scored by Khaled al-Mubayyed in the 47th minute mark, and second goal came from Abdullah al-Chami in 95th minute during extra time.
The Syrian team maintained control over the proceedings during the first half despite Qatari team’s home advantage, maintaining pressure on the opponent goalkeeper. However, they failed to score due too poor finishing and some bad luck.
At the start of second half, al-Mubayyed delivered a powerful shot from within the penalty box which Qatar goalkeeper failed to stop.
After taking the lead, the Syrians put some relentless pressure on the hosts, who tried their best to find the equaliser. Qatar were attempting to score through some set pieces but failed to get past the Syrian defense and goalkeeper. Any last minute drama was avoided by Syria, after al-Chami snatched the ball from midfield, circumventing the Qatari defenders and scored the second and decisive goal.
With this victory, the Syrian Olympic team qualified for the final of the championship which will be held on Wednesday. In the title clash, Syria will meet Iran, who beat Yemen 2-1 in the second semi-final held last night.
The Syrian team had reached the semi-finals after coming out on top of Group C in the group stage, defeating the UAE 2-0 and Oman 2-0.
Meanwhile, Qatar will be disappointed in missing out on final berth. They were impressive in the group stage, finishing on top of group A with two wins and a draw. The event is being staged to help Olympic sides prepare for the AFC U-23 Championship to be held in Doha next January.