Abdullah shines as Qatar rally to draw against Oman

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Thursday, January 1st 2015 12:01 AM

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA: A double from Meshal Abdullah on Wednesday helped Qatar secured a fighting 2-2 draw against Oman in friendly match ahead of next week's Asian Cup. Oman roared to a 2-0 lead after goals from Abdulazzi Mubqbali (11) and jaber Al Owaisi (27) but Qatar - coached by Djamel Belmadi - roared back after a double strike in the second half by (54 and 58). Belmadi played Qatar's first choice XI that included goalkeeper Qassim Burhan, Bilal Mohammed, Abdul Rehman, Khalid Muftah, Khalfan Ibrahim, Hassan Al Haidos and Meshal. Both teams substituted most of their regulars at the hour-mark. Belmadi's squad that won the Gulf Cup in November landed in Canberra following their 3-0 win over Estonia on Saturday. The Omani team have arrived in Canberra on Sunday. Qatar take on New Zealand in their second friendly on January 5. AH3Q9677