Doha, Qatar – Ilidio Vale, head coach of the Qatar U-23 national team, revealed his final 23-man roster yesterday for the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The tournament, a key qualifying event for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, begins on Tuesday and will feature 16 of Asia’s most promising young footballers. Qatar departed for Saudi Arabia following a final training session on home soil.
The AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 will be held across four Saudi Arabian cities: Doha’s team is grouped with Japan, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. This marks Qatar’s sixth participation in the competition’s seventh edition, with hopes high for a strong showing and potential Olympic qualification. The tournament concludes with the final match on January 25th.
Qatar U-23 Squad Aims for Olympic Qualification
The selected squad features a blend of experienced youth players and emerging talent. Goalkeepers Amir Hassan, Abubaker Mohammed, and Ali Ghulais will compete for the starting position. The defensive and midfield lines include players like Tahsin Mohammed, Al-Hashemi Al-Hussain, and Abdullah Mujeeb, providing a solid foundation for the team.
The attacking options for Qatar include forwards such as Rashid Abdulaziz, Mohammed Suraj, and Mostafa Al-Sayed. Coach Vale will be looking to these players to provide the goals needed to navigate the challenging Group B. The full roster consists of Amir Hassan, Abubaker Mohammed, Ali Ghulais, Tahsin Mohammed, Al-Hashemi Al-Hussain, Ahmed Reyad, Anas Abdulsalam, Ayuob Alaoui, Abdullah Mujeeb, Saifeddine Hassan, Hassan Al-Ghareeb, Rashid Abdulaziz, Abdulaziz Mohammed, Jassem Al-Sharshani, Fares Saeed, Mubarak Shanan, Mohammed Khaled, Marwan Sherif, Moath Ibrahim, Mahdi Al-Mejaba, Mohammed Suraj, Nabil Irfan, and Mostafa Al-Sayed.
Group B Challenge
Qatar faces a difficult path to the knockout stages, drawn into a group with formidable opponents. Two-time champions Japan are considered strong favorites to advance, while Syria and the United Arab Emirates will also present significant challenges. The team’s performance in these initial matches will be crucial for their chances of progressing.
Al Annabi’s campaign begins on Wednesday against the UAE. They then face Syria on January 10th, followed by a potentially decisive clash against Japan on January 13th. According to tournament regulations, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds.
Historically, Qatar’s best result in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup came in 2018, when they secured a third-place finish. This year, the team is aiming to surpass that achievement and, more importantly, secure one of the three automatic qualifying spots for the Paris Olympics. The AFC U-23 Championship is a vital stepping stone for these young players.
However, competition for Olympic berths is fierce. The tournament also offers a potential fourth qualifying spot through a play-off between the third-placed teams from each group. This adds another layer of complexity to the competition and increases the stakes for all participating nations. The focus on youth football development in Qatar is evident in the investment in this team.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway across Saudi Arabia to host the tournament. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is working to ensure a smooth and successful event, with all logistical arrangements in place. The tournament is expected to attract significant media attention and showcase the talent of Asia’s rising stars.
Looking ahead, the immediate focus for Qatar is their opening match against the UAE. The team’s performance in this game will set the tone for their entire campaign. The outcome of Group B remains uncertain, and much will depend on the form of key players and tactical decisions made by Coach Vale. Fans will be watching closely to see if Qatar can achieve their Olympic qualification goals.
