DOHA: Qatar beat Sri Lanka 5-0 at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 Qualifiers at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.
Qatar lead Group A with six points and will hope to continue their fine form against Syria on Sunday, while the defeat dashed Sri Lanka’s hopes of a first-ever appearance in the tournament with their final match against Yemen a chance for them to end their campaign with points.
Qatar took control of the match from the referee’s first blow of the whistle as they dominated possession but were unable to beat goalkeeper Gimhana as the South Asians defended in numbers.
Sri Lanka, who suffered a 5-0 loss to Syria in their opening match, defended resolutely but their efforts were undone in the 27th minute when Mohammed Mushfir brought Hashim Ali down in the box, with the Qatari defender scoring from the resultant spot-kick.
