Qatar Triumphs Over Bahrain to Secure U-23 Asian Cup Spot

Qatar’s U-23 football team clinched a place in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup for 2026 after a thrilling 2-1 victory against Bahrain on Tuesday. The match, held at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, concluded with a dramatic penalty in the ninth minute of added time, capping a successful qualifying campaign where Qatar won all three matches.

Victory Amidst Challenges

Bahrain initially took the lead with a goal from Abdulrahman Sami Al Khayyat in the 71st minute. Despite being reduced to ten men following a red card issued to Ayoub Mohamed Al Ouwi, Qatar rallied back with goals from Al Hashmi Al Hussain and Jassim Al Sharshani during stoppage time, securing a place in the tournament scheduled for January 7-25, 2026.

Striker Mubarak Shanan remarked on the match’s intensity, stating, “It was difficult to face the strong Bahrain team, but we were able to defeat them and qualify for the Asian Cup.” His words highlighted the team’s resilience and determination throughout the game.

Teammate Mohammed Siraj, who contributed significantly by scoring in all three Group H matches, discussed the physical and mental toll of competing in such quick succession. “The match was difficult because we were playing three matches in one week. We knew about the fatigue and pressure on us, but we finished it with a score of 2-1,” he said.

Team Effort Leads to Success

The victory was not solely attributed to individual performances. Abdulaziz Mohammed emphasized the collective effort of the team, stating, “Everyone gave their all. We played with one heart as one team, from the goalkeeper to the striker, and the substitutes did not fall short.” This unified approach was crucial in overcoming the challenges faced during the match.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Bahrain’s Mubarak Mohammed offered praise to the Qatari team, saying, “Congratulations to the Qatari team. They put on a great match. We also put on a great match, but I think we lost focus at the end.” His acknowledgment reflects the competitive spirit present in the match.

With this victory, Qatar now awaits the draw for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, where they will join ten other group winners, four top runners-up, and the hosts, Saudi Arabia, in the 16-team tournament. The anticipation builds as Qatar seeks to make a strong impact in the continental competition.