Monday, January 05, 2015

Qatar wrap up Asian Cup preparation with win


Qatar defeated Team Wellington in a friendly match in wild conditions at the Australian Institute of Sport to conclude their warm-up for Qatar's Asian Cup campaign on Monday, which opens against the United Arab Emirates at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
The match against ASB Premiership leaders was tough and keenly contested, exactly what coach Djamel Belmadi wanted to test his team.

Qatar scored early goals and a disallowed Team Wellington goal meant the Gulf Cup of Nations champions led 2-0 at halftime. First was Ibrahim Majed’s glancing header that beat Michael O'Keefe following a free kick from Hassan Haydos.
The second goal by Meshaal Abdullah showed how strong and confident the Al Ahli striker been recently. He received a through pass from Khalfan Ibrahim and moved on his stride into the box, staving off the challenge of Team Wellington skipper to roll the ball past the hapless custodian O'Keefe.
The Matt Calcott-coached side then dominated for periods before conceding a third goal with 15 minutes to play. Boualem Khoukhi registered his name on the scoresheet with a side foot tap in after scored the third with a tap in after a teammate dispossess an opponent to lay a pass for the Al Arabi forward to score in the last 15 minutes of the encounter.

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