FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 17 I am worried about the future of Kenya’s Olympic 3,000m steeplechase. We gauge ourselves steeplechase champion CRICKET GOLF against other runners at these Conseslus Kipruto India vs West Indies USPGA Hero World Diamond League meetings, and it is criticises the trimming of 1st T20I (N) Challenge not good that we shall be watching the Diamond League

programme next year. ACTION In Hyderabad (Deccan) in the Bahamas

others at the final. TODAY’S

Georges Mikhalides, trainer of Noor Al Hawa, winner of the QR120,000 Al Safliya Cup (QA Listed), celebrates after receiving the trophy from Nasser bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s Chief Executive Officer at the conclusion of the 14th Race Meeting in Al Rayyan Park, yesterday. RIGHT: Jockey Tom Marquand (left) guiding Noor Al Hawa towards the victory.

FIFA President Antetokounmpo leads Bucks to 13th Gianni Infantino straight win; Lakers trump Jazz AFP NBA RESULTS LOS ANGELES Dallas 121, Minnesota 114 Atlanta 118, Brooklyn 130 Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35 points Boston 112, Miami 93 Infantino proposed propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a 13th Portland 127, Sacramento 116 straight NBA victory on Wednesday, a Utah 96, LA Lakers 121 as IOC member, but hard-fought 127-103 win over the Pistons Chicago 106, Memphis 99 in Detroit. Oklahoma City 100, Indiana 107 not Coe, says Bach Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA Charlotte 106, Golden State 91 Most Valuable Player, powered through Detroit 103, Milwaukee 127 a contentious encounter, pulling down Orlando 128, Phoenix 114 REUTERS six rebounds and handing out nine assists LAUSANNE as the Bucks continued their domination of the Pistons. “At first I was trying to talk back, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been The Bucks improved to 19-3 -- tied trying to let them know this is more than proposed for International Olympic for best record in the league with the basketball. We can stop playing bas- Committee membership, but World Athletics Western Conference-leading Los Angeles ketball, we can fight. head Sebastian Coe will have to wait due to Lakers, who beat the Utah Jazz 121-96 in “At the end of the day my teammates a conflict of interest, IOC President Thomas Salt Lake City. want me in the game, my teammates want Bach said yesterday. Milwaukee, whose eight wins over me to keep my head in the game.” FIFA and World Athletics, the governing Detroit last season included a first-round The tough-guy posturing didn’t help bodies of two of the biggest sports in the playoff sweep, have now notched two the Pistons and the Bucks emerged with Olympics, have been without membership wins this season over the Pistons. their longest winning streak since 1973. ever since the departure from the IOC of their The Bucks led by 11 at halftime, and The Lakers put on a defensive clinic respective former presidents Sepp Blatter by 20 after three quarters as the Pistons in Utah, coming up with 13 steals and and Lamine Diack in 2015. proved unable to mount a challenge. blocking 12 shots as they held the Jazz to For years, membership of the IOC for the Khris Middleton added 17 points for Mil- 41 percent shooting. heads of soccer and athletics was seen as waukee and Eric Bledsoe chipped in 15. Anthony Davis, battling illness that almost automatic. Andre Drummond led Detroit with 23 saw him receive intravenous fluids at Yet the two international federations points, 14 rebounds and five assists. halftime of the Lakers’ win at Denver on have been left out in the cold as they Antetokounmpo and Detroit’s Blake Tuesday, scored 26 points. struggled with widespread corruption and Griffin clashed early and often. Davis added five rebounds, six assists doping scandals which tarnished their Midway through the second quarter, and three blocked shots. images. Diack, who has denied wrongdoing, Griffin elbowed Antetokounmpo in the LeBron James added 20 points and faces a corruption trial in France in January. face and teammates hurried to intervene handed out 12 assists for the Lakers, who Bach said Infantino had been proposed as the two exchanged words. didn’t trail at all after the first quarter and for election at their next session in January Antetokounmpo answered in the third led by as many as 25 in the second half. along with International Tennis Federation with a monster block of Griffin’s layup The Jazz lost for the fifth time in sixth chief David Haggerty and Japanese Olympic attempt, and less than a minute later games -- but suffered just their second Committee president Yasuhiro Yamashita. when he hit the court after a foul by Bruce home defeat of the season. World Athletics chief Coe, however, had Brown, Griffin angered the Bucks by In Boston, the Celtics defeated the not been proposed due to a conflict of stepping over Antetokounmpo’s legs. Miami Heat 112-93, handing the Heat their interest. Middleton raced over and admon- first defeat of a three-game road trip that Giannis Antetokounmpo of “We wanted him (Coe) to become an IOC ished Griffin and after a lengthy review had included wins over the Brooklyn Nets the Milwaukee Bucks drives member as president of one of our most Brown, Griffin and Middleton all received and Toronto Raptors. The Heat led by as to the basket past Langston important Olympic sports,” Bach said. “Since technical fouls. many as 11 points early in the second Galloway of the Detroit then we are in close consultation with him “At that point, I was, like, tired,” quarter, but Boston closed the half on a 28-9 Pistons at the Little Caesars and since then we have addressed the risk Antetokounmpo said. “I was, like, ‘They’re scoring run to take a 52-44 lead at halftime Arena on Thursday. of a potential of conflict of interest he may going to do this all night.’ and never trailed in the second half. have.” Apart for his role at World Athletics, Coe is also Group Chairman of consultancy firm CSM which also works with the IOC. I will die trying to defend my title against Joshua: Ruiz Jr “CSM is consulting various organisations and stakeholders including having con- REUTERS with an eye on taking the Ruiz, however, said he tractual partnerships with the IOC itself.” RIYADH contest deep into the latter would not ‘underestimate’ Bach said Coe had informed them that rounds, saying he expects a Joshua and that he had his he could not immediately resolve this situ- World heavyweight champion “marathon, not a sprint”. own strategies to counter ation but was working on it. Bach said Coe Andy Ruiz Jr has said he The Briton has also been the former Olympic could become a member at their session fulfilled a lifelong dream taking advice on his training champion. duringduring thethe TokyoTokyo 2020 Olympics.Olympics. when he triumphed over Brit- regime and diet from former “I know he lost weight “He“He is hhopefulopeful to aaddressddress it in a couplecouple ain’s Anthony Joshua in June world heavyweight champion and that he will try and box of mmonths.onths. TThenhen that wwouldould and he would “die trying” to Wladimir Klitschko in his bid me around,” Ruiz added. “So meanmean thethe doodoorr isis stillstill defend his belts in the title to reclaim the title at the fight it’s my job to prevent that. openopen forfor Tokyo.”Tokyo.” rematch in Saudi Arabia dubbed the ‘Clash on the “(In the June bout) I was TheThe IOCIOC electselects tomorrow. Dunes’. the one who had the strength, new membersmembers at itsits Mexican-American Ruiz “I may be less than 17 the one backing him up. When sessionssessions onceonce candi-candi- produced one of boxing’s stone (107.95 kg),” Joshua I jabbed I pushed him away.” datesdates are vetted bbyy Mexican-American heavyweight boxing champion Andy Ruiz Jr biggest upsets when he said. “I’m punching loose and Joshua believes this will thethe OlympicOlympic body.body. during a press conference in Diriyah on Thursday, ahead of the dethroned the previously heavy -- rhythm and flow. not be the last time the two upcoming rematch against British challenger Anthony Joshua. undefeated world champion “Before I was trying to fight each other and predicted Joshua with a seventh-round bench-press a house. I used my a third bout in the future if stoppage at New York’s “There is no way I am going the dreams come true there body to get where I needed but Ruiz was up for it. Madison Square Garden. to let these belts go, I will die is no way I will let these go.” then I started realising the “This ain’t going to be the “I have been doing this trying. Joshua has trimmed down sweet science of the sport. I am last time I see Ruiz in the IOC President since I was six and it is finally “It has been a roller- ahead of the second WBA, IBF punching like a horse kicking ring,” Joshua said. “We make Thomas Bach paying off,” Ruiz told the BBC. coaster and now that I made and WBO title showdown backwards right now.” for good fights. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 2019

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli plays a Sri Lanka name shot during a training session ahead Arthur as their of the first T20 international cricket match new head coach of a three- match series REUTERS between COLOMBO India and West Indies (pictured below) in Hyderabad South African Mickey Arthur has been appointed yesterday. as Sri Lanka’s head coach on a two-year contract, the country’s cricket board (SLC) said yesterday. The 51-year-old former first class cricketer has enjoyed a more illustrious career as a head coach with the national teams of South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. SLC appointed former fast bowler Rumesh Ratnayake as interim coach in August after a fallout with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who was criticised for Sri Lanka’s exit at the group stage of the 50-over World Cup in England. “We are very happy and pleased that we have been able to obtain the services of Mickey,” SLC secretary Mohan Silva told reporters. “He’s a well-known personality who has been the head coach of a number of countries.” SLC President Shammi Silva said Hathurusingha was no longer on the payroll of the board but did not provide further details. Arthur was recently released from his short-term Twenty20 contract with New Zealand side Central Districts. He took charge of a mercurial Pakistan side in 2016 and led them to the 2017 Champions Trophy victory in the 50-over format and the number one ranking in the world in both tests and twenty20 internationals. Pakistan, however, decided not to renew Arthur’s contract World T20: India to focus on following the team’s failure to reach the semi-finals of this year’s 50-over World Cup in England. “It had been three very good years with Pakistan and I needed a little bit of time away. The Sri Lankan job became available fielding best side, says Kohli and I started discussions,” Arthur said. “I looked at the talent that’s available and that’s the key moti- vating factor ... to help these young players fulfil their potential.” REUTERS reflection of the strongest eleven but we threw his weight behind under-pressure In his first assignment as Sri Lanka coach, Arthur will return MUMBAI haven’t really played the strongest eleven stumper batsman Rishabh Pant. to Pakistan this month for the two-match test series, starting together for many games.” Opening batsman Rohit Sharma, who led from Dec. 11. India will experiment less and look to play India will see the return of experienced India in the absence of Kohli against Bang- Zimbabwean Grant Flower will join his support staff as the their best Twenty20 side with just over 10 seamers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and ladesh, implored critics of Pant to leave the batting coach while Australians David Saker and Shane months left before the T20 World Cup, Mohammed Shami to the T20 scheme of 22-year-old alone and let him play with McDermott will be the bowling coach and the fielding coach captain Virat Kohli said at Hyderabad on the things while frontline left-arm wrist-spinner freedom. respectively, the SLC added. eve of a three-match series against West Kuldeep Yadav also makes a comeback. Pant has received criticism lately from Indies yesterday. “For us it’s about figuring out who are India’s coaching staff, pundits and the media Kohli’s men are the top-ranked side in the players that can make a transition into after losing his wicket through loose shots Test cricket and number two in the 50-over international cricket and this a good format and his position in the India test side has been format behind England but the inaugural T20 to see them,” Kohli said. taken by fit-again Wriddhiman Saha. World Cup champions are ranked fifth in the “But now heading into the World Cup “As Rohit rightly pointed out as well, he world in the shortest format of the game. rankings are going to be irrelevant because needs to be left alone,” Kohli said. “T20 is a format where you experiment T20 anyone can win on the day. “We know he’s a match-winner and once a lot more things than ODI and Test cricket. “I think our combination is getting he comes good you will see a different I think from that point of view you take a lot stronger and stronger. version of him - which you’ve seen in the more risk in terms of what you want,” Kohli “We will probably be playing as close to IPL (Indian Premier League) already because told reporters. the eleven that we want in the World Cup as he’s free, he’s relaxed there. He feels that “As a team you want to give chances to possible for the remainder of the T20 games there’s a lot more respect when it comes to youngsters. So you can’t really pinpoint we have leading into the World Cup.” his abilities and what he can achieve for the where we stand. Ranking is actually the Kohli, India’s batting mainstay, also team.” Bob Willis only one to hit South African cricket crisis deepens me: WC winner Kapil Dev Former chief Bacher AFP NEW DELHI my respect that day,” Patil said. asks Moroe to quit And in the next Test, Bob Willis (pictured) was Willis hit him on the AFP a “terror to face,” Indian helmet. “I have been involved in withdrawn his interest in taking great Kapil Dev said “He made a sign that JOHANNESBURG the job - although he confirmed yesterday, revealing that it was all squared up. I cricket administration at on Monday that new talks were the England fast bowling had hit for six fours and The crisis in South African cricket varying levels from 1981 under way. legend, who has died he had struck me on my deepened yesterday as former to 2003. In 2003, I decided According to Bacher, in more aged 70, was the only one helmet. He did not speak chief executive Ali Bacher called than two months since the to ever hit him with the a word. I never heard him on incumbent Thabang Moroe to to call it a day. I decided I original discussions, Smith had ball. abuse either, on the field. quit, while a second independent would not interfere in the still not been presented with a In a Test in England, He was a lovable fast director resigned from the board future running of South contract for his consideration. Willis pitched the ball bowler,” Patil said. of Cricket South Africa. African cricket. However The first talks took place short and Dev went for Willis played in 90 Bacher, a former Test before South Africa toured India his signature “Nataraj” Tests, taking 325 wickets captain, said Moroe was out of recent developments have in September and October, pull shot, the former all- with his aggressive pace his depth, while independent made it obligatory for me where they were heavily beaten rounder said as he paid bowling and also cap- board member Iqbal Khan, the to go public and express my in all three Tests. tribute to Willis whose tained England for a spell chairman of CSA’s finance com- most serious concern about Bacher alleged that current death was announced on before retiring in 1984 mittee, said he could no longer Test captain Faf du Plessis had Wednesday. and taking up a career in be party to an organisation that the current administration in not been consulted about the “It was a very sharp broadcasting. was “ruining the game”. South African cricket.” appointment of the inexperi- ball, faster than I had Yashpal Sharma, who Khan blamed Moroe for the Ali Bacher enced Enoch Nkwe as interim imagined, and hit me on the ear. was frightening to come up saw off Willis in 1982 in majority of issues besetting CSA, team director. It was the only time I was against. Chennai in a knock of 140, said including failing to adhere to the Nkwe was in charge of the struck,” the World Cup-winning The middle-order master that the Englishman was terms of an agreement with the SA Cricketers’ team that toured India and looks set to continue captain, 60, told the Hindu said he was “never comfortable “second to none, in speed, skill, Association, the banning of five journalists last in the role in a home Test series against England, daily. facing (Willis). He would put and feats.” weekend and “widespread credit card abuse”. which starts on December 26. In addition to the “Willis was a terrific fast fear in the mind of the batsman “If the pitch helped him, he In his letter to CSA president Chris Nenzani, role of director of cricket being vacant, no selectors bowler, with a run-up that was with his searing pace. You had was a terror, unplayable. Willis Khan wrote: “Unfortunately, all fingers point at have yet been appointed ahead of the England tour. unique. Not a fluent run-up but to watch him very closely as he was a bowler who never the CEO. But, having said that, I cannot believe “The current CEO is out of his depth and I once the ball left his hand it was neared the stumps and be ready allowed you to relax for a that you are not aware of the many issues that strongly suggest that he resigns imminently in the terror for the batsman,” he said. for the thunderbolts that he moment. His incoming ball was have caused this malaise and to that extent you best interests of South African cricket,” said Bacher. He added: “I never heard would unleash. Thunderbolts hard to spot and tackle,” are also complicit and perhaps even the entire In a separate interview with an Afrikaans-lan- Willis swear at a batsman, they were.” Sharma told the Hindu. board.” guage website, Bacher said, “We’re currently the never saw him argue with the Patil added to the Hindu “He was a quiet man on the Khan’s resignation came a day after that of joke of world cricket. umpire. He did not believe in newspaper that in the infamous field. His bowling spoke for Shirley Zinn, leaving CSA with only three of their “I don’t want us to end up like the West Indies, talking. He wanted his ball to 1982 encounter, the lanky Eng- him. I would rate him alongside five independent directors. who were once a mighty cricket nation but have speak for him. A true legend he lishman, best known for his Michael Holding and Malcolm CSA will be holding an emergency board just disappeared over the last decade or two.” was.” 8-43 demolition of Australia in Marshall in terms of speed. meeting in Johannesburg on Saturday at which it Support for Moroe came from Jack Madiseng, Sandeep Patil recalled the 1981 Ashes, had still con- What I liked most was how he said “important decisions will be made”. a CSA board member and Moroe’s successor as meanwhile that despite having gratulated him for his century. appreciated the opponent even Bacher said in an interview with the Espn- president of Gauteng cricket. in 1982 smashed Willis for six “How many would do that? though he competed hard on cricinfo website that he had mediated talks In an email to Nenzani and CSA deputy pres- fours in one over, as well as for He should have been annoyed the field,” Sharma added. between Moroe and former Test captain Graeme ident Beresford Williams, Madiseng accused the four fours in the 1983 World with what I had achieved, but “A rare gentleman fast Smith on August 28, which could have led to Smith pair of a lack of leadership. Madiseng said the board Cup semi-final, the Englishman here he was patting me. He won bowler.” becoming CSA director of cricket. and not the CEO needed to be held accountable Smith announced on November 15 that he had for “rubbishing the CSA’s brand”. FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 19

Bahrain win thrilling shootout to reach final ARMSTRONG VAS Bahraini players celebrate Iraq’s Mohamed Majid is consoled by a team- THE PENINSULA after winning the first mate after their defeat. semi-final of the 24th Bahrain, aiming to win their Arabian Gulf Cup against Iraq maiden Arabian Gulf Cup title, at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa defeated Iraq 5-3 in a tense Stadium, in Doha, yesterday. semi-final penalty shootout to make it to final for the fifth time. Yesterday at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, the teams were locked two-all at the end of full time play, all of which came in the first half. The 30 minutes of extra time play also ended in a two-all deadlock forcing a penalty shot out. In the shoot-out, substitute Mohamed Majid sent Iraq’s fourth penalty kick wide off the mark while Ali Madan converted Bahrain’s fifth one to take his team to the title clash. Bahrain will take on Saudi Arabia who beat hosts Qatar 1-0 in the other semi-final later at the Al Janoub stadium. Iraq made seven changes from the side which took the field against Yemen in the last group league match. Coach Sercko Katanec’s side held the upper hand right from kick off and were dominant in They used the entire width Iraq did not allow the came in almost similar cir- did not make much of a dif- Bahrain defeat Iraq 5-3 launching several attacks against of the pitch to spray passes and equaliser to demoralise them and cumstances to Iraq’s second ference on the goal front. in a tense semi-final Bahrain. create open spaces in the heart instead stepped up the tempo goal. The teams were thus tied a penalty shootout at the With a large of supporters to of the Bahraini defense. and managed to again the lead Defender Ahmed Bug- two-all at the end of 90 minutes Abdullah Bin Khalifa back them in the stands, Iraq did On the other hand, Bahrain three minutes later. hammar long free kick from his of regular period forcing an extra Stadium, after scores not waste time to settle down. played the waiting game and Iraqi strikers, who at times own half found Mohamed period of 15 minutes each. read two-all at the end of After launching a few forays into were contend in getting back into caught the Bahraini defense on Marhoon chesting the high ball In extra time, Iraq had two the rival half, Iraq one of the few the Iraq territory through break the wrong foot, struck through a and bringing it down at an ideal opportunities to take the issue in full time play. sides which has impressed with back moves. move initiated by Amjed Al height to volley home past a their hands. On the first occasion, their attacking game stuck in the Bahraini defense which Magsoosi. helpless Iraqi goalkeeper. Al Kaabawi failed to beat the Substitute Mohamed sixth minute. repulsed quite a few Iraqi attacks A long ball from Magossi If the first half produced four goalkeeper in the third minute Majid sends Iraq’s fourth Mohannad Ali gave the lead managed to pull one back much from the centre line found goals, there were none in the of extra time and in the eight penalty kick wide off the for Iraq through a set piece against the run of play through Ibrahim Al Kaabawi in the clear, second half. minute substitute Shareef Al conversion. one such counter attack which who beat his defender and Bahrain started the first pro- Amari did everything right to mark while Ali Madan Ali latched on to a rebound earned them a flag kick. chipped the ball over the ceedings in a superb fashion. beat his marker but ended converts Bahrain’s fifth which came off Bahrain keeper Mohamed Marhoon, who advancing keeper to give Iraq the Shaban got enough elevation and shooting wide. one to take his team to Sayed Hashem’s chest as he was entrusted with flag kick, lead for the second time in the power behind his free kick but At the other end, Iraq goal- the title clash. could not hold on to the bril- gave a shot pass to Mohamed match. Iraq keeper stood his ground to keeper Khalaf came out of the liantly executed free kick of Shaban, the last named essayed Thereafter, both the teams keep his goal intact. blue save to keep out a goal Four-time runners-up Alaa Al Gharrawi and Ali darted a left footed floater catching came up with threatening moves Thereafter, both the teams threatening shot from Marhoon the ball past a helpless Hashem, Bahrain defense on the wrong but could not trouble the scorers. created opening but could not in the tenth minute of extra time. Bahrain will now meet 1-0. foot. An unchallenged Abdulla Bahrain, however struck on come close to scoring. The second half of extra time Saudi Arabia in the final Iraq continued to dominate Alhazaa leapt high to head home the goal front at the stroke of half Coaches of both the teams also ended without the deadlock of the 24th Arabian Gulf and gave its supporters a lot to past Iraq keeper Ahmed Khalaf, time. ringed in a couple of substitu- been resolved forcing a penalty Cup on Sunday. cheer. 1-1 in the 14th minute. Bahrain’s second equaliser tions in the second session but it shout out.

Qatar supporters cheer during the second semi-final between Qatar and Saudi Arabia at the Al Janoub Stadium.

Iraqi superfan Mahdi Al Karkhi during yesterday’s semi-final match between his team and Bahrain.

Bahraini players celebrate.

Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 ticket sales to start tomorrow THE PENINSULA 6 to 11 in Doha, will also be champion Stan Wawrinka of Australian Open semi-finalist while they enjoy a tremendous DOHA available at dedicated kiosks at Switzerland and 2012 champion and finalist at the 2010 Monte- package of fun and enter- the Doha Festival City, City Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Carlo Rolex Masters. tainment we have carefully put The online sales of tickets for the Center as well as the Khalifa Other players in the fray for Tournament Director Karim together for them at the Public Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 International Tennis & Squash the golden falcon trophy of the Alami said, “We are happy to Village. I enjoin all tennis lovers will go live on the Qatar Tennis Complex – the venue of the 32-men singles and 16-team announce the opening of sales to make their purchases on time Federation’s (QTF) official tournament. doubles event include 2013 of tickets for the 2020 edition so as to avoid last-minute rush.” website www.qatartennis.org The 27th edition of the ATP champion Richard Gasquet, of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Spain’s Roberto Bautista from tomorrow. World Tour 250 series tour- 2018 finalist Andrey Rublev, The tournament is once again Agut won the last edition after Beside the online sales, nament is featuring some of the 2016 Wimbledon finalist Milos offering our teeming fans the defeating 2010 Wimbledon tickets for the tournament, world’s top players including Raonic and Doha-resident opportunity to watch some of finalist Tomas Berdych 6-4, 3-6, Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, the which takes place from January three-time Grand Slam Fernando Verdasco, the 2009 the world’s best players live 6-3 in an enthralling encounter. winner of Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2019. SPORT

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Infantino World T20: India proposed as IOC to focus on member, but not fielding best Coe, says Bach side, says Kohli

Friday 6 December 2019

Qatar’s impressive run at home event comes to an end; Bahrain beat Iraq in first semi Saudi Arabia book place in Gulf Cup final

FAWAD HUSSAIN Saudi’s forward Abdullah Al Hamdan Qatari captain Hassan THE PENINSULA celebrating after scoring their only goal Al Haydos and team-mate Akram during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Afif react after the match. Three-time winners Saudi semi-final match against Qatar at the Arabia edged past Asian Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, yesterday. champions Qatar 1-0 in the fiercely-contested semi- final of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup at Al Janoub Stadium yesterday. The result is not what the majority of 42,025 spec- tators wanted, who turned out to back the home side at the spectacular FIFA World Cup 2022 venue. Saudi Arabia will now meet Bahrain – who defeated Iraq on penalties in the first semi-final yes- Qatar dominated With four minutes left in terday – in tomorrow’s final the game but lacked the halftime, Almoez’s pass MATCH STATS at the Khalifa International found midfielder Abdulaziz Stadium. goal-scoring touch Hatem in a good position QATAR 0 - 1 KSA With coach Felix as young striker inside the box but his strike Sanchez going with his most Abdulla Hamdan’s was too wide. Scorer: Abdulla Hamdan 28’ successful 3-4-2-1 for- Hatem again got a mation, Qatar dominated the strike for Herve chance after a ball from 21 SHOTS 4 Renard’s side in the game but lacked goal- Miguel in the stoppage time 2 SHOTS ON 3 scoring touch as young first half proved but he hit the ball straight in TARGET striker Abdulla Hamdan’s enough to deny hands of goalkeeper Fawaz strike for Saudi Arabia in the Al Qarni. first half proved enough to them a place in the While Saudis went into 62% BALL 38% deny them a place in the final leaving the the halftime with a 1-0 lead, POSSESSION final leaving the fans fans dejected. Qatar had a better share of dejected. ball possession during 540 PASSES 353 Qatar had a 62 percent which the Sanchez’s side of goal possession in the took six shots with just one 85% PASS ACCURACY 74% crunch match in which, they back with repeated attacks on target. 9 FOULS 12 took 21 shots but accuracy but without pulling off a The second half started Qatar’s Akram Afif, this was missing as only the goal. with cautions by Kuwaiti year’s AFC Player of couple of them were on Looking composed, the referee Ahmed Alali to 1 YELLOW CARDS 2 the Year, vying for the target. Saudi Arabia were ‘Green Falcons’ took their newly-crowned Asia’s best ball possession with a paid off for their solid first shot only after 15 player Akram Afif and Saudi 8 CORNERS 3 Saudi Arabian player defense that showed strong minutes when captain Arabian defender during yesterday’s nerves to keep Qatari Nawaf Shaker sneaked Mohammed Al Khabrani. 2 OFF SIDES 0 semi-final. strikers in check. inside the box making an Al Annabi brought the Sanchez didn’t do much attempt, which was blocked cheering home fans on their change in the Qatari squad comfortably by goalkeeper feet with several more heroics of the UAE game due - which crushed UAE 4-2 on Saad Al Sheeb. attacks created by their to tight marking by the Saudi Monday to seal the semi- The Herve Renard’s side charging strikers. Hatem defenders, headed the ball final spot - with midfielder then appeared to be on the was unlucky in the 63rd high off a fine cross by Abdulaziz Hatim being the driving seat and scored the minute as his direct attempt Ismail. only change, replacing opener through 20-year-old from a corner ricocheted off There were plenty of defending midfielder Al Hamdan, who fired the the post and the keeper’s more attacks from the home Musaab Khidir. home side ahead in the 28th head before Renard rotated side prompting the Saudi Both the teams started minute. Al Sheeb made an his players with midfielder players to adopt time- on a similar note before error as he failed to grasp a Hattan Bahebri replacing wasting tactics going down Qatar started to attack the flying cross from right back captain Nawaf. every time they were losing solid Saudi defense. Playing Sultan Al Ghanam with Al With Qatar were still the ball. as a winger, Pedro Miguel Hamdan heading the ball trailing, Sanchez sent Al In stoppage time, striker created a golden oppor- into nets despite the last Duhail star Mohammed Boulem Khouki was in a tunity in the seventh minute gasp efforts of Salem Al Ismail in play in place of position to score but his giving a perfectly-timed low Hajri. Pedro with 16 minutes left strike missed the target as Qatar's head coach Felix Sanchez cross but striker Almoez Ali The goal generated a lot while Frenchman Renard Qatar made more attacks congratulating a Saudi player after failed to connect the ball more pace in the match as called back goal-scorer without finding the from the goalmouth. Qatar strive to equalise with Hamdan, replacing him with equaliser, leaving the Saudis the match. Qatar continued pushing aggressive display creating defender Ziyad Al Sahafi. on course for their fourth the Saudi players on the many chances. Afif, who was missing his regional title. PICTURES: ANWAR SADATH, MOHAMED FARAG, AGENCIES

Qatar's captain Hassan Al Haydos congartulating Saudi Arabian skipper Nawaf Al Abed after the semi- final match yesterday.