The Peninsula
Qatar U20 coach Inaki Gonzalez yesterday praised Al Annabi for their outstanding performance in the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023 Qualifiers, which saw them qualifying for the next year’s continental event after winning Group B in Arad, Bahrain.
Qatar U20 on Sunday defeated hosts Bahrain to earn their fourth consecutive victory in the event, finishing five points ahead of their second-placed West Asian rivals.
Al Annabi also defeated Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh earlier in the group.
“We came to Bahrain with great ambitions. All the four matches were tough but we were able to come out victorious owing to teamwork,” said Gonzalez.
“There is significant development among the Asian sides and the level of competition was high but our players’ performance was outstanding in all the matches,” he added.
Qatar trained in Slovenia and Saudi Arabia besides holding a training camp at home ahead of the Qualifiers.
“We worked hard for the event and I am proud of my players. I am confident they will show a good performance in the finals too,” said the coach.
Nine teams confirmed their places in the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023 Finals after finishing top of their qualifying groups on Sunday.
Several others, meanwhile, look well placed to advance as the five best second-placed teams, with their berths to be confirmed following the conclusion of Group H which will be played in October.
The 41st edition of the AFC U20 Asian Cup will be played in March next year.