MANAMA, Bahrain: Abdulrasheed Umaru on Monday produced the only goal of the match as Qatar edged Yemen 1-0 on day three of the 2016 AFC U-19 Asian Cup match. Umaru scored with a powerful shot into the Yemen net as Qatar picked up full points from the key Group C clash. Coach Oscar Cano and the Qatar players were a picture of pure ecstasy as referee Nivon Robesh Gamini blew the final whistle at Bahrain National Stadium. Qatar played fearless football throughout the tense clash but Yemen defenders were up to the mark. Qatar now take on Japan in their last preliminary round clash on October 20 at the same venue. In their opening clash, Qatar played a 1-1 draw against Iran. On Monday, Qatar fans were joined by Barcelona legend Xavi at the venue where 'Al Anabi' emerged worthy winners. Qatar's U-23 coach Felix Sanchez was also present.

The result means Qatar join Japan at the top of Group C on four points,

with Iran on two and Yemen eliminated with no points from two games.

Yemen were roared on by a large and vocal group of fans, but it was Qatar

who fashioned the first chance of the game shortly after kickoff.

Moufak Ahmed showed good speed as he raced on to a long ball down

the right, whipping in a delicious cross that found Hassan Ahmad in

all kinds of space right in front of goal but the striker could not keep

his header down.

Yemen were looking a different team to the one that had gone down

3-0 to Japan previously, but could not make much headway in the final

third despite several attacking forays.

Aki Hafeedh had their best chance of the first half, as Rami Al Wasmani’s

pass found him on the right side of the box but the Yemeni midfielder’s

swerving shot was straight down the goalkeeper’s throat and Mohammed

Al Bakari saved easily.

The Qatari goalkeeper was called into action once again early in the

second half, as he denied Ahmed Al Sarori a goal after the Yemen forward’s

burst of speed had taken him past his marker and into the box.

An outswinging corner from Qatar captain Abdullah Abdulsalam in the 59th

minute caused all sorts of trouble as Adel Al Hamad connected to a Tarek Salman knockdown with a diving header but Yemen had their man at the near post,

Esam Mahdi, to thank as he cleared the ball off the line.

Just as it seemed Yemen had done enough to secure a point and keep their

slim hopes of qualifying alive, Ahmad found Umaru with a slide rule pass in

the box and the replacement striker made no mistake when through on goal.