10 Feb 2019
Doha, 10 February 2019. Aspire Academy raised hopes of another triumph for the nation when they reached the semi-finals of the Alkass International Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win over Turkish side, Altinordu on Sunday evening at Aspire.
The hard-fought victory sets up a last-four clash with either Roma or Spartak Moscow on Wednesday 13th February. Aspire started the match purposefully going close on seven minutes when Fahad Al-Abdulla’s shot went narrowly wide. Not long after the opening goal came from Abdulragman’s cross from the right flank which Khaled Bin Sabaa beautifully curled into the net much to the delight of the home crowd. Altinordu goalkeeper Emirhan Emir got a hand to the shot but could not prevent the goal which turned out to be the only goal of the game
Altinordu’s best chance of the first half came in the 35th minute when Yigit Celtik sent in a free-kick from the right and Tunahan Ozturk’s neat backheel went narrowly wide. The hosts finished the half strongly with Al-Abdulla forcing a fine save from the keeper.
Aspire had to weather an onslaught from the Turkish side who despite some tired limps decided to get a goal and increase their chances of reaching semis but Aspire stood firm. As the match wore on it was Aspire who tried to make sure of victory as Osamah Altairi found Bin Sabaa who beat one player before forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper.