Qatar Secures U-23 Asian Cup Spot with Thrilling 2-1 Victory

Qatar’s U-23 football team achieved a significant milestone by securing a place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7-25, 2026. This accomplishment followed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bahrain on Tuesday, where Qatar clinched the win with a penalty in the ninth minute of added time.

The match was intense, with Bahrain initially taking the lead through Abdulrahman Sami Al Khayyat‘s 71st-minute goal. Despite being reduced to ten players after Ayoub Mohamed Al Ouwi received a red card, Qatar mounted a remarkable comeback. They scored two goals in stoppage time, with Al Hashmi Al Hussain and Jassim Al Sharshani finding the net to turn the game around at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

Team Spirit and Determination Shine Through

Striker Mubarak Shanan emphasized the resilience demonstrated by the team throughout the match. “It was difficult to face the strong Bahrain team, but we were able to defeat them and qualify for the Asian Cup,” he stated, highlighting the fierce competition.

Shanan also noted the team’s ability to follow their coach’s strategy, which played a crucial role in their success. “The atmosphere was tough, but we were confident in the coach’s instructions, and we played in the right way. We came out with full marks,” he added.

Another key player, Mohammed Siraj, expressed the physical and mental challenges faced during the qualifying matches. He pointed out that playing three matches in one week took a toll on the team. “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,” Siraj explained.

Teammate Abdulaziz Mohammed praised the collective effort of the squad, 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.”

Bahrain Acknowledges Qatar’s Victory

Despite their defeat, Bahrain’s Mubarak Mohammed acknowledged Qatar’s skill and determination. “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,” he remarked, reflecting on the competitive nature of the game.

With this victory, Qatar now looks ahead to the upcoming draw for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, where they will join ten other group winners and four top runners-up, alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, in the 16-team tournament. The team’s performance in this qualifying round has set a promising tone for their participation in the continental event.