Emirates News

Doha: Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Group C match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 on Monday at the Khalifa International Stadium.

A second consecutive win enabled Iraq to overcome an opening defeat to Thailand to finish top on six points with Saudi Arabia also advancing as the runners-up, after Thailand lost 1-0 to Tajikistan in the other game, the AFC website reported.

The 2022 champions had the ball in the net after only nine minutes but Ahmed Al Ghamdi’s spectacular strike was cancelled after a VAR check showed that Aiman Yahya had strayed just offside in the buildup.

Iraq showed they were also a threat with two great opportunities coming the way of Al Hamawi, who could not keep his shot down after he was set up by Nihat Mohammed, while influential winger Ali Jasim worked his way into the box but shot straight at Saleem Alabsi.

Chasing the win necessary to reach the next stage, Iraq continued to be on the offensive and were awarded a penalty late in the first half after Mustafa Saadoon was brou
ght down by Alabsi with Jasim taking responsibility and converting in the first minute of added time.

Saudi Arabia were given a way back into the match in the 10th minute of added time after referee Hiroyuki Kimura – after a VAR review – awarded them a penalty following Saadoon’s elbow on Haitham Asiri, with Al Ghamdi sending the ball home to send the teams level into the break.

The first chance of the second half was created by Saudi Arabia when Saad Alnasser was put through on the left and his cross found Ziyad Aljohani at the edge of the box, however, the Al Ahli midfielder flashed his shot wide.

Having survived a nervy start to the half, Iraq retook the lead in the 63rd minute after Alabsi failed to clear the ball cleanly, allowing Saadoon to nip in with the ball bouncing off his chest and into the net from Alnasser’s clearance.

Saudi Arabia pushed for their second equaliser of the night and nearly found it in the 70th minute, Marwan Al Sahafi producing a clever looping header with the back of his hea
d that had custodian Hussein Hasan backtracking to pluck the ball at the last minute as Iraq safely saw out the remainder of the tie.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, an AFC Medical Centre of Excellence, announced its partnership with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to deliver comprehensive medical care for athletes competing in the prestigious AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, in keeping with its pioneering role in delivering world-class medical services to athletes and major sports events.

Taking place in Doha from April 15 to May 3, the tournament features 16 teams vying for the continental title. As the exclusive medical provider, Aspetar will leverage its unparalleled expertise in sports medicine to ensure the well-being of all participating athletes throughout the competition.

Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and Director of the Visiting Surgeons Program at Aspetar Dr. Khalid Al Khelaifi heads the tournament’s medical organizing committee. Through this committee, Aspetar will oversee all medical services at all tournament facilities, including stadiums and player accommodations.

Dr. Khalid Al Khelaifi sa
id, “We are committed to providing exceptional medical services that will ensure the success of the tournament, similar to previous major tournaments held in Qatar.” Aspetar will oversee a comprehensive range of medical services for the tournament, including stationing medical personnel at all four match stadiums.

The hospital will collaborate with local partners to provide emergency care, ambulance services, and paramedics for both competition and non-competition venues, in addition to offering expert guidance and exceptional medical care for acute sports injuries, musculoskeletal issues, and illnesses.

Furthermore, it will also dedicate a team of one physiotherapist and two massage therapists to support referees throughout the tournament.

Aspetar will also provide 24-hour medical support, with on-call doctor services available around the clock at all team hotels through the dedicated Medical Command Center (MCC).

Aspetar is a world-leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital and the fir
st of its kind in the Middle East.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The Local Organizing Committee of AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 extensively collaborated with the relevant state authorities to produce high-quality services and an ultimate fan experience, said the Committee’s Director of Facilities and Technical Services Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Faihani.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , Al Faihani said that the committees facilities management has gained extensive organizational experience through its participation in organizing many tournaments and sporting events hosted by Qatar over the past years, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which left a huge legacy for the state.

He pointed out that the specialized departments closely monitored the logistical matters related to the four tournament venues and the arrival of all teams and official delegations.

All the tournament stadiums are equipped with facilities within AFC standards, fan medical clinics and in-stadium mobile medical teams supported by ambulances, Al Faihani added.

He added that all arrangements
for the event including transportation and the access of fans, organizing committee and workforce were finalized before the kick-off of the tournament.

The selection of the four stadiums to host the sixth edition was done in cooperation and coordination between the local organizing committee and the Asian Football Confederation, where a number of inspection visits were organized to the stadiums before they were chosen to host the 16 teams participating in the tournament, he added.

He expected that fan turnout will double during the knockout rounds, stressing that the organizing committee continues coordination with all teams regarding the attendance of fans to prepare all logistical matters and provide technical services in the vicinity of the stadiums.

Source: Qatar News Agency