JEDDAH: Qatar suffered a 2-0 defeat against the United Arab Emirates as their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign began with a setback in Group B on Wednesday.
The young Maroons had an early opportunity to take control of the contest but failed to capitalise. Just three minutes into the match, Alhashmi Mohialdin’s penalty was saved by UAE goalkeeper Khaled Tawhid after Mohamed Khaled was fouled in the box following a strong run down the left.
Qatar continued to threaten, with Junior Ndiaye going close soon after, only to be denied by an outstretched leg from UAE keeper Ali Ghulais after being played through by Ali Al Memari. However, it was UAE who struck first in the 21st minute. Ndiaye’s effort from outside the area was parried by Ghulais, allowing Al Memari to convert the rebound.
UAE doubled their lead in the 37th minute after a swift passing move down the left, ending with Ndiaye finishing from close range.
Qatar pushed for a response in the second half but struggled to break down a well-organised UAE defence, led by Leonard Amesimeku.
Qatar will look to bounce back when they face Syria on Saturday, while UAE take on Japan in the group’s other fixture.
