Qatar Qualify for AFC U-19 with Full Mark

Doha, October 12 (QNA) - Qatar defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 in Doha on Saturday to top Group A and qualify for the Asian Under-19 Championship in Myanmar next year. The hosts won all their four matches, yesterdays clash against the Uzbeks being the virtual final as the Central Asians had also won their previous three games. India, Nepal and Turkmenistan completed the Group A line-up. Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar produced a clinical display like they had done throughout in the tournament with forward Akram Afif again in full flow, scoring both goals for his team. The 17-year-old is a product of Aspire Academy before leaving for Spain to be part of Sevillas youth programme. He also played for the Spanish club in the Aspire Cup Under-18 International Tournament earlier this year. Akram, the son of Hassan Afif, who played for Qatars Ittihad Club (now Al Gharafa), was a constant menace in the Uzbek territory despite being heavily marked and often the target of vicious tackles. After going close a few times, he opened the scoring for Qatar with a brilliant finish from a difficult angle in the 23rd minute much to the delight of coach Sanchez. Qatar consolidated in the 56th minute when Akram was brought down and the striker slotted the ball into the net with a cracking shot. Uzbekistan pressed hard in the final 10 minutes and were rewarded when Urinboev Zabikhillo's glancing header found the Qatar net off a long free-kick in the 85th minute. However, Qatar controlled the remaining few minutes of the match nicely to ensure there were no further scares. "We knew the match against Uzbekistan would be difficult as it was like the final," Qatar coach Sanchez said. "But the boys played well and Akram was particularly impressive." Sanchez added that there was a lot of time to think about the tournament in Myanmar. "Let us enjoy the moment by celebrating what we have achieved," the Spaniard said. Earlier in the day, India and Turkmenistan played out a 2-2 draw. The leaders of the nine qualifying groups and six best runners-up along with the competition's hosts Myanmar will compete in the 16-team tournament in October next year. (QNA)