Qatar book U-23 Asian Cup berth with dramatic win over Bahrain

Doha, Qatar: Late strikes from Al Hashmi Al Hussain and Jassim Al Sharshani powered Qatar to a dramatic 2 1 comeback win over Bahrain, sealing their p...

Doha, Qatar: Late strikes from Al Hashmi Al Hussain and Jassim Al Sharshani powered Qatar to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Bahrain, sealing their place in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup finals in style yesterday.

After Abdulrahman Sami Al Khayyat gave the visitors the lead in the 71st minute, Qatar struck twice in stoppage time despite being reduced to 10 men following a red card to Ayoub Mohamed Al Ouwi at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

The victory meant Al Annabi topped Group H in the qualifiers, racking up nine points from three wins, only giving away two goals in contrast to 17 scored.

India finished second in the group with six points from two wins, but despite defeating Brunei 6-0 in the earlier match, failed to advance after finishing fifth among the group runners -up.

Having already led the group, Qatar entered yesterday's match as favourites, but Bahrain proved to be a formidable opponent, managing to keep Qatar scoreless at halftime.