Alkass Digital
Coach Ibrahim Shafie yesterday said his team will learn from mistakes committed in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 clash, and seek improvement ahead of the remaining two matches in the group phase.
Despite responding quickly to South Korea’s opening goal and netting an equaliser, Qatar conceded the two consecutive goals before the interval as the match at Pathum Thani Stadium ended in a 1-6 defeat for Al Annabi.
“It’s a disappointing start for us, but this is just the beginning of our tournament. We’ll analyse the match, identify areas for improvement, and work tirelessly to come back stronger in the upcoming matches,” Shafie remarked in the post match press conference.
"We need to remain focused and stay positive. Our belief in the team is unwavering, and we’ll fight harder in the next matches, I trust my players to bounce back."
He stated that he has cause to believe in his team’s ability to recuperate after witnessing the players’ resolve and will to react in the locker room.
“Defeat is part of the game, especially in tournaments of this magnitude. Some mistakes are prone to happen in youth teams, we must maintain our composure and remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth. Our team will show resilience and come back stronger.”
“Our team has potential, and we’ll work together to rectify our mistakes, and get the boys back on track mentally. The tournament is far from over, and we will fight until the very end," he said.
Qatar will next take on Iran in what is expected a keenly fought contest, before wrapping up their group stage matches against Afghanistan in matchday 3.