DOHA: Qatar’s in-form strikers scored once again on Monday as the home
team crushed Syria 4-2to reach the AFC U-23 Championship quartefinals

with a perfect group stage record.

The home side overcame a stutter in the first four minutes when they
conceded a goal but Qatar boys – coached Felix Sanchez – quickly
regained composure to beat Syria at under lights at Jassim Bin Hamad
Stadium.

With Monday’s win, Qatar have qualified for the quarterfinals of the
three-week event.

On Monday, Yousef Kalfa gave Syria the lead in the 4th minute but
Qatar hit back through captain Abdelkareem Hassan (10), Ahmed Alaa (24
and 82) and Moez Ali (28).

Syria’s Omar Kharbin reduced the deficit in the 81st minute but Alaa
scored his second of the match in the 82nd minute.

Hassan and Alaa have scored in all three games for the home side.
Overall Qatar have scored 9 goals in three matches.

In the opening clash of the 16-team event, hosts Qatar rallied to beat
China 3-1 followed by a 2-1 win against a powerful Iran side.

In another Group A clash on Monday, Iran fought a brave China to win
3-2 and qualify for the quarterfinals.

The top three sides will win automatic qualifying berths at this
year’s Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro.

Qatar will play their quarterfinal on January 22 against a yet-to-be
identified team.