DOHA: Our U23 national team lost its second friendly game 3-2 against its Jordanian counterpart, on Thursday evening, the 26th of May, at Al Janoub Stadium.

The match was an intense test for the two teams as part of their final preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in Uzbekistan from 1-19 June.

Our U23 team is now scheduled to leave at ten in the morning, Saturday, 28th of this month, for Uzbekistan, marking the start of the squad’s journey in this important continental event.

Thursday’s game between Qatar and Jordan saw an excellent technical level from the two sides, especially in its first half, which witnessed four goals.

It was Jordan who took the lead , courtesy of a goal from Khaled Sayahin in the 18th minute, before Yousuf Abdurisag scored an equaliser for Qatar in the 23rd.

Jordan then went ahead with their second and third goals, from Al-Amin Al-Shanaina (25′) and Omar Hani (27′), while Abdullah Al-Fakhouri, the Jordan goalkeeper, saved a penalty kick during the first half that was taken by Yousuf Abdurisag.

In the second half, Hashem Ali succeeded in scoring the second goal (56′), and there were multiple attempts from Al Annabi to equalise, but the match went on to end with the aforementioned result.

The team had earlier drawn 1-1 with the same opponents in their first friendly meeting, on Monday.

The Qatar Football Association is hosting the Jordanian under-23 team, in a training camp in Doha from May 21-28, which is also preparing to participate in the continental championship, in Group B alongside Australia, Iraq and Kuwait.

Our U-23 team recently concluded the overseas preparation camp that was held in the Baku, Azerbaijan, ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, where they are set to play in Group A alongside Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Al Annabi had also played in the Dubai Friendly Championship that was held recently in the UAE, which included many strong teams.

These friendly matches were organised to increase the team’s readiness and exposure ahead of this important continental championship.

Qatar will start their campaign in the tournament with their opening game against Iran on Wednesday, the first of June, at Bunyodkor Stadium (Tashkent) at four in the afternoon. In the second round, they will face Uzbekistan – the hosts – at Pakhtakor Markazi Stadium (Tashkent) at six in the evening on Saturday, June 4th.

Our team will conclude the group stage matches by playing Turkmenistsn on Tuesday, June 7th, at Bunyodkor Stadium (Tashkent) at eight in the evening.

Al-Annabi will aim to reach the quarter-finals, through securing one of the two qualification tickets, with the first and second placed team in each group going through.