The United Arab Emirates secured a crucial comeback victory yesterday in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying, defeating Yemen 3-1 at Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar. This win maintains the UAE’s perfect record in Group B of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) U-23 Gulf Cup. Meanwhile, Iraq claimed their first victory of the tournament, overcoming Oman with a 2-0 scoreline in the group’s other match.
Both matches took place on December 8th, 2023, at the Aspire Academy, a leading sports training facility in Qatar. The results significantly shift the standings in Group B as teams compete for a coveted spot in the final AFC U-23 Asian Cup tournament.
UAE Dominate Group B in AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifying
Yemen surprised early contenders with a goal in the first half, courtesy of Nasser Mohammed. This strike gave Yemen a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime, briefly threatening the UAE’s position at the top of the group. However, the UAE demonstrated resilience and tactical adjustments during the break.
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum for the UAE. Ali Mohammed Saeed equalized in the 57th minute, igniting a spark within the team. Just six minutes later, Mansour Saleh scored to put the UAE ahead, capitalizing on the renewed pressure.
Hazem Mohammed then sealed the victory for the UAE with a goal in stoppage time, finalizing the score at 3-1. This performance underscores the team’s determination and ability to perform under pressure during youth football competitions.
In the other Group B contest, Iraq and Oman faced off. The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute by Amouri Faisal, who converted a penalty kick. This gave Iraq a much-needed lead, having drawn their opening match.
Iraq Secures First Win
Ayman Luay further solidified Iraq’s advantage in the 82nd minute, adding a second goal to the tally. The 2-0 victory marks Iraq’s first win in the qualifying campaign and places them in a strong position to advance.
The current standings reflect the UAE’s dominance with a maximum of 6 points from two games. Iraq follows with 3 points, edging ahead of Yemen on goal difference, who also have 3 points. Oman remains at the bottom of the group without any points, facing an uphill battle for qualification. The Gulf Cup is a vital stepping stone for these young players.
The AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying tournaments are crucial for determining which nations will participate in the final tournament, which also serves as a qualifying event for the Summer Olympics. This adds another layer of importance to each match played in Doha.
Looking ahead, the remaining matches in Group B will be pivotal. The UAE will aim to maintain their winning streak, while Iraq and Yemen will battle for the second qualifying spot. Oman, despite their current position, will need to secure victories in their remaining games to have any chance of progressing. The next round of matches is expected within the coming days, and the final group standings will determine which teams advance to the next stage of Asian football competition.
The tournament’s outcome remains uncertain, with several teams still capable of qualifying. Observers will be closely watching the UAE’s consistency, Iraq’s attacking prowess, and Yemen’s ability to recover from this defeat.