Qatar defeat Turkmenistan in AFC Under 19 Qualifiers
DOHA, November 9, 2019 - Captain Naif Abdulraheem Al Hadhrami led from the front with two superb goals while striker Mekki Mohsen matched him in every way as Qatar turned on the style in the second half to defeat Turkmenistan in their second match in Group B of the AFC Under 19 Qualifiers at Aspire Grounds on Friday.
Qatar, who defeated Sri Lanka 5-1 in their opening match on Wednesday, have six points and just need a draw against Yemen to ensure their berth in the finals in Uzbekistan in next October.
Though Qatar ran riot in the second half, Turkmenistan had given them a tough challenge in the opening period.
Mekki was Qatar's biggest goal threat in the first 45 minutes during which he tested Turkmenistan goalkeeper with a fierce shot that Orayev Amanmuhammet struggled to keep hold of.
Turkmenistan too had a good chance as Myradov Begenchmyrat broke free before Qatar goalkeeper Yousef Abdulla made a fine save to deny the forward.
After a goalless first half Qatar took the in the 53rd minute through a stunning goal.
When Qatar's playmaker Naif received a ball from the left flank there was no apparent danger on Turkmenistan goal.
But Naif took a touch and unleashed a powerful shot from more than 25 yards that Amanmuhammet failed to keep away despite getting a hand to it.
Turkmenistan tried to come back and almost immediately Begenchmyrat drew a fingertip save from keeper Abdulla when he headed Hydyrow Shamammet corner goalwards.
Begenchmyrat was not to be denied in the 58th minute when he met Myratberdiyev Rahman's cross with a beautiful header.
Qatar regained the lead five minutes later with Mekki providing the cross for Naif who swept the ball home from close range.
And within five minutes they increased the lead and this time Mekki got the name in the score sheet when he met Jassim Mohammed Al Mehairi cross with a superb header.
The same pair was behind the fourth goal as well as Mekki met Al Mehairi's cross with a simple tap in in the 81st minute.
In between, Qatar were down to 10 men when Mohamed Emad got a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, but by then Qatar were home and dry and were threatening for more.
Qatar coach Fabio Cesar was full of praise for his players.
"Congratulations to our players they played a very good game. We knew this would be a tough match as Turkmenistan are well organised and physically very strong. But were played as a group which is our biggest strength and managed to turn the game in the second half, said Fabio.
The Former Qatar player said Naif's goal opened the game for them.
"Naif's goal opened the game for us while Mekki is a reference for us in the attack. But like I said, teamwork is our biggest strength and we need to continue the same way in the next match against Yemen, who are a very good team," added Fabio.
Yemen earlier defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 to warm up for Sunday's crucial encounter.
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