Qatar wins with 2nd half goals
Doha: Two second-half goals secured Qatar a 2-0 win over Malaysia in their opening encounter in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 qualifying campaign at Al Sadd Stadium on Wednesday (6/2/13).
Khalfan Ibrahim's deflected free kick in the 55th minute gave the 2011 tournament hosts the lead and, with three minutes of added time played at the end of the game, Yusuf Ahmed doubled Qatar's margin of victory.
"The result was good especially because we won and got the three points. The players showed good spirits and this helped us to get a win. I want to thank the players for the good performance to get this deserved win," said Qatar coach Fahad Thani.
"We were the better side and dominated the game but Malaysia played with a defensive formation which affected us and we missed a lot of chances. However, at the end of the day we got the three points and won the game."
After an even opening 45 minutes Qatar started to take control of proceedings in the second half and the home side took the lead ten minutes after the interval
Former AFC Player of the Year Khalfan Ibrahim stepped up to take the free kick and his effort from 30 yards out was deflected off the Malaysian defensive wall, giving Khairul Fahmi no chance.
Sebastian Soria created a fine goal scoring opportunity for himself nine minutes later, tormenting the Malaysian defence before shooting wide while Ibrahim hit the post with regular time having all but run out.
With the Malaysians pushing forward looking for a late equaliser, the Qataris put the result beyond doubt in the 93rd minute when substitute Maged Mohammad deceived Fahmi before setting up Ahmed, who put the ball into the empty net.
"We played well and managed to finish the first half with a scoreless draw. We had some chances of our own to score and we nearly scored but we were unlucky,"Malaysia coach K. Datuk K. Rajagobal.
"In the second half we continued to play well but we were unlucky with the first goal. We tried our best to make a comeback but we were hit with the second goal. Overall, we played well." - AFC