24 Jan 2016
Doha, 24 January 2016. Qatar’s U23 National Team continues to impress at the 2016 AFC U23 Championships and has taken one step closer to qualifying for the Summer Olympics in Rio. The team secured a place in the semi-finals after a hard-fought 2 – 1 extra time victory over DPR Korea in last Friday’s quarter final.
KAS Eupen midfielder Akram Afif converted from the penalty spot after just five minutes to give Qatar the lead only for So Kyong-Jin to snatch an equaliser with a free kick in stoppage time to send the tie into extra time.
After just two minutes of play in extra-time, Afif provided an assist for Ali Asad to score, securing a win for Qatar and booking a return visit to the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium next week and with it the possibility of a place in the final and the prospect of a first appearance at the Olympic Games since 1992. After the team’s fourth consecutive win at the tournament, Qatar will now face the Republic of Korea on Tuesday to compete for a place in the final and potential qualification for the Summer Olympic Games.
“It was a difficult game. The North Koreans are physically one of the toughest teams playing in the tournament and very hard to play against. It is never easy when you are up 1 – 0 and then concede a goal in stoppage time. But the team showed great team spirit and resilience and really fought hard for their place in the semi-finals. Now of course, our focus is on making it through to the final,” said Qatar coach Felix Sanchez after the game.
Qatar’s next opponents on the road to Rio will be the Republic of Korea team that defeated Jordan 1 – 0 in their quarter final game. The semi final takes place at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday, January 26 (kick-off at 7:30pm).
See the highlights of the game against DPR Korea here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DNprhu3zL0
U-23 AFC Championship, Quarter-Final
Qatar vs. DPR Korea 2-1 a.e.t. (1-1, 1-0)
Goals: Akram Afif (6’, pen), Ali Asadalla Thaimn (92’); So Kyong-Jin (90’ +1).
Source: www.the-afc.com