Doha: Qatar defeated Yemen 3-0 to open their AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 Group A qualifying campaign in style on Monday.

Two first half goals coupled with Khaled Mohammed’s wonder strike in the 63rd minute saw Qatar emerge victors at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Qatar will face Sri Lanka next on Thursday, while Yemen must bounce back strongly against Syria if they are to stay in contention for a place in Uzbekistan 2022.

Qatar took control of the match from the start and were ahead by the 14th minute when Ahmed Al Ganehi curled in a superb cross that a surging Hashim Ali finished emphatically.

Nicolas Cordova’s Qatar side continued to press for more goals and their persistence was rewarded in the 42nd minute when Ali’s strike from inside the box deflected off Hamzah Mohammed Sabah’s boot and into the back of the net.

Yemen were more disciplined defensively in the second half but goalkeeper Ali Fadhl Ahmed could do little to stop Khaled Mohammed’s crackling shot from almost 20 yards in the 63rd minute.

Yemen hardly threatened goalkeeper Salah Zakaria as the Qatari defenders were quick to thwart any threats as they held on strongly to bag the points.

Source: Qatar Olympic Committee