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Home , 2019 AFC Annual Awards, Abdelkarim Hassan, Ahmed Khalil, Akram Afif, Ali Karimi, Ali Mabkhout

TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 I am very happy we didn’t have to Opening batsman bat again. Obviously, winning by an David Warner CRICKET SPORTS innings two games in a row doesn’t after Australia beat England vs New Zealand Southeast , really happen too often. Just an Pakistan by an 3rd Test - Day 5 at The Philippines innings and 48-runs in

exceptional effort by the boys. ACTION Seddon Park, Hamilton (Until December 11)

the second Test. TODAY’S

NBA: Doncic, Rugby: Former All Blacks coach Mavericks snap Lakers’ 10-game Hansen confirms move win streak REUTERS New Zealand media had reported In this file photo AA WELLINGTON earlier this year that Hansen was headed taken on October NEW YORK to Japan after the World Cup but he said 26, 2019, New Former All Blacks coach yesterday he had not signed anything until Zealand’s head Los Angeles Lakers’ yesterday confirmed his long-expected after the tournament had ended. coach Steve Hansen 10-game winning streak move to Japan where he take up a He will link up with former All Blacks looks on before the ended after they were role as coaching consultant with Top captain , who signed a one- 2019 Rugby World defeated by Dallas League side Verblitz. year contract with Toyota earlier this year. Cup semi-final Mavericks 114-100 The 60-year-old stepped down from New Zealand Rugby are in the process against England yesterday afternoon in a the All Blacks following their third-place of appointing Hansen’s successor with his in . hard-fought game of the finish at the Rugby World Cup. He spent former assistant Ian Foster and Can- Hansen confirmed Western Conference at 16 years with the team, the last eight as terbury Crusaders head coach Scott Rob- yesterday he was Staples Center. head coach, and was a part of two suc- ertson the leading candidates. The Lakers led the half taking up a role cessful World Cup campaigns. Meanwhile in , Japan rugby by three points (62-59), but with the Toyota “I’ve got a new job which involves me team’s slogan “One Team”, the “#KuToo” the third quarter belonged Verblitz in Japan’s mentoring, consulting and advising at campaign against a de-facto requirement to the Mavericks, as they . Toyota Verblitz,” he said in a video on the to wear heels at work, and the new went on a mean 27-5 run All Blacks website. imperial era name “Reiwa” were chosen with 3:43 to go in the “It’s not as a head coach, it’s more as yesterday as the most memorable 2019 quarter. an advisor, a mentor, and it requires me buzzwords. Despite Lakers’ mini run to be up there for five to 17 weeks a year.” “One Team” was declared the top buz- Campaigners say wearing high heels The announcement of a new era of 10-0 with 2:10 to go in Toyota are coached by fellow New zword of the year live on national TV, after is seen as near-obligatory when job name is a massive event in Japan, marked the quarter, led by Alex Zealander Simon Cron, who was an the Brave Blossoms captured Japan’s hunting or working at many Japanese with special newspaper editions, callig- Caruso with two made assistant at the New South Wales War- imagination by reaching the Rugby World companies. They submitted a petition in raphy shows and public festivities. 3-pointers, the Mavericks atahs for two years until the end of the Cup quarter-finals for the first time. June to the government to protest against Another topical buzzword was managed to answer back 2019 season. With stunning wins over Six Nations the requirement. “keikaku unkyu” (planned cancellation) with their own 7-2 run to “The key thing is to go in and work sides Scotland and Ireland and a gutsy The list also included “Reiwa,” -- in relation to the advance suspension of close the quarter. with the people in the environment,” last-eight loss to eventual winners South meaning beautiful harmony in Japanese Tokyo trains as Typhoon Hagibis Mavericks outscored the Hansen added. “The opportunity to help Africa, the Japanese team won the heart -- the name of the era that defines the approached in October. Lakers 35-17 in the third him (Cron) grow is something that really of a nation hooked on baseball and sumo new emperor’s reign. A craze for tapioca drinks resulted in quarter, with Luka Doncic excites me. -- with supporters packing out fanzones Although the Gregorian calendar is another buzzword “tapiru”, which com- scoring 16 of his 27 points. “While it’s not a full-time coaching and tuned in in their millions. widely used in the world’s third-largest bines the two words tapioca and “suru” The 20-year-old Slov- role, it’s a role that still allows me to stay The word #KuToo, a play on words economy, Japan is the only country still (do). enian sensation was dom- in the game. It’s also a role that will allow from the Japanese word “kutsu” -- using Chinese-style imperial calendars Japan chooses the buzzwords as well inant for the Mavericks with me to have the family time that I want to meaning shoes -- and “kutsuu” -- for private and public documents as well as the kanji, or Chinese character, of the 27 points,10 assists and 9 have and I’m really looking forward to it.” meaning “pain” -- also made the top 10. as computer records. year annually at the year’s close. rebounds. Doncic was accom- panied by Kristaps Por- Draisaitl (18 goals, 32 zingis and Dwight Powell as assists) and Connor they each posted 15 points McDavid (19 goals, 32 Last-second field to help their teams victory over Lakers. assists) are the first set of Lakers’ superstar duo team-mates since 1995- goal lifts Broncos LeBron James and Anthony 96 to collect 50 or more Davis were in form but their points before their team’s effort could not avoid the 30th game. over Chargers loss. Davis was the top scorer “Obviously it’s not a REUTERS for the Lakers with 27 CHICAGO pretty game, not a pretty points and 10 rebounds, while James played with 25 win, but no one is going Brandon McManus kicked a game-winning 53-yard field goal as points, 9 rebounds and 8 to ask how we won this time expired and rookie quarterback Drew Lock passed for two assists. game at the end of the touchdowns in his NFL debut to lift the host Denver Broncos to a After tying their fran- day. It’s a big two points 23-20 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers yesterday afternoon. chise record to start a for us. It was a gritty Denver (4-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, while Los regular season with 17 wins effort through the whole Angeles (4-8) lost its third straight. and 2 losses, Lakers suf- line-up.” McManus’ field goal followed a 37-yard pass interference penalty fered with their third loss, Leon Draisaitl of against the Chargers, and it was the third field goal in the game’s meanwhile Mavericks Edmonton Oilers final 4:26. improved to 13 wins and 6 The second of those three came when the Chargers tied the losses in the regular season. game at 20 on a 46-yard field goal by Michael Badgley with 14 Clippers score 150 points “It’s a frustrating seconds remaining. Los Angeles converted a 4th-and-11 from its in rout of Wizards one. The power play own 24 with 2:22 left to keep the drive alive, and then quarterback The Los Angeles speaks for itself. If Philip Rivers found Mike Williams down the left sideline for a 38-yard Clippers defeated the you give them enough completion. Washington Wizards opportunities, they are McManus had kicked a go-ahead 52-yard field goal with 4:26 150-125 yesterday, getting going to capitalise on it. I remaining to put the Broncos ahead 20-17. Lock finished 18-for-28 their 15th win of the season. thought we played really passing for 134 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Rivers Clippers’ superstar duo was 20-for-29 for 265 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Paul George and Kawhi well after coming off a Lock shined at the outset, throwing a pair of first-quarter touchdown Leonard combined for 65 really tough road trip.” passes to Courtland Sutton to help the Broncos take a 17-10 lead points, while bench players Vancouver Canucks’ Tyler Myers (57) defends against Edmonton Loui Eriksson of into halftime. Lou Williams and Montrezl Oilers’ Riley Sheahan (23) during the second period of their NHL Vancouver Canucks Lock’s first scoring pass came about as the result of a savvy end Harrell combined for 45 game at Rogers Arena. zone adjustment from Sutton, who avoided contact from Chargers points in the rout of cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. with his left hand while corralling Wizards. the 26-yard TD pass from Lock with his right. The Clippers took NHL: Streaking Bruins and Los Angeles trailed 17-3 with halftime approaching, but pulled control in the second to within one score as Rivers hooked up with Austin Ekeler for a quarter, outscoring Wizards 30-yard touchdown with 30 seconds left in the second quarter. 43-22 and leading the half Pastrnak top Canadiens again McManus erupted at the Broncos sideline at the conclusion of by 25 points, 82-57. the ensuing possession, throwing his helmet after Denver head Paul George scored 27 coach Vic Fangio elected to bypass a potential NFL record-breaking of his 31 points in the second AP Carey Price had 31 saves and of the night. While the defenders 65-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds of the half. quarter, while Kawhi NEW YORK carried a shutout into the third were focused on his teammates, Los Angeles tied the game at 17-all with 12:18 left, as Rivers found Leonard accompanied him period before the wheels came off. Draisaitl found a soft spot at the Keenan Allen for a 36-yard touchdown pass and Badgley kicked with his 34 points in 27 David Backes scored the game- Pastrnak tied the game at 1-1 bottom of the right circle and the point-after. The Chargers had the chance to take the lead after minutes. winner during a three-goal surge with a wicked one-timer from the quickly released the shot after Denzel Perryman intercepted Lock on the next Denver possession, in the third period, as the Boston right circle off the post at the 6:16 taking a feed. but Badgley’s 55-yard field goal attempt clanged off the left upright NBA RESULTS Bruins rallied past the visiting mark of the third. Wild 3, Stars 2 (SO) with 9:20 to go. Montreal Canadiens 3-1 yesterday. Oilers 3, Canucks 2 Minnesota captain Mikko NFL RESULTS Miami 109, Brooklyn 106 David Pastrnak and Jake Leon Draisaitl’s second goal Koivu, playing in his 1,000th Tennessee 31 Indianapolis 17 Boston 113, New York 104 DeBrusk also tallied in the third, of the game early in the third career game, scored the winner Cincinnati 22 NY Jets 6 Memphis 115, Minnesota 107 as the Bruins extended their period was the winner as in the fourth round of a shootout Washington 29 Carolina 21 Dallas 114, LA Lakers 100 winning streak to seven straight Edmonton won at Vancouver to as the Wild defeated visiting Baltimore 20 San Francisco 17 Detroit 132, San Antonio 98 and their points streak to 11 split a home-and-home series on Dallas. Kevin Fiala and Zach Tampa Bay 28 Jacksonville 11 Oklahoma City 107, New (8-0-3). Tuukka Rask stopped 28 consecutive nights. Parise scored in regulation for Green Bay 31 NY Giants 13 Orleans 104 shots in net to help Boston remain Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen Minnesota and goaltender Alex Miami 37 Philadelphia 31 Orlando 100, Golden State 96 undefeated in regulation at home made 30 saves and earned the Stalock stopped 26 shots. Pittsburgh 20 Cleveland 13 Toronto 130, Utah 110 (11-0-4). Joel Armia scored for the victory thanks to Draisaitl’s The Wild extended their La Rams 34 Arizona 7 LA Clippers 150, Washington Canadiens, whose losing streak marker 46 seconds into the final points streak to nine games Kansas City 40 Oakland 9 125 extended to eight games (0-5-3). frame, his second power-play goal (6-0-3). 08 SPORT TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2019

SCOREBOARD Australia 1st innings ...... 589-3 dec Pakistan 1st innings ...... 302 Australia win by innings and Pakistan 2nd innings ...(overnight 39-3) S. Masood c Starc b Lyon ...... 68 Imam-ul-Haq lbw Hazlewood ...... 0 A. Ali c Smith b Starc ...... 9 B. Azam c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 8 48 runs, sweep Pakistan 2-0 A. Shafiq c Warner b Lyon ...... 57 I. Ahmed c Labuschagne b Lyon ...... 27 M. Rizwan b Hazlewood ...... 45 AP/ADELAIDE caught at leg-slip by Warner, Y. Shah lbw Lyon ...... 13 trying to work a Lyon delivery S. Afridi c Hazlewood b Lyon ...... 1 Nathan Lyon had never taken a square, as Pakistan slipped to M. Abbas run out (Cummins) ...... 1 five-wicket haul against 154-5. M. Musa not out ...... 4 Pakistan. The veteran off- Pakistan has been on the Extras (lb6) ...... 6 Total (all out; 82 overs) ...... 239 spinner hadn’t taken a wicket in back foot since Australia won the Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Imam-ul-Haq), 2-11 the day-night Test until the toss, batted and declared at (Azhar), 3-20 (Azam), 4-123 (Masood), 5-154 fourth day. 589-3. (Shafiq), 6-201 (Ahmed), 7-221 (Yasir), 8-229 Then they tumbled. He took The dominance continued (Afridi), 9-235 (Rizwan), 10-239 (Abbas) two wickets in the first session with the ball, although with Lyon Bowling: Starc 16-3-47-1, Hazlewood 23-4- yesterday and three in the taking over from the quicks as 63-3, Cummins 15-4-45-0, Lyon 25-7-69-5, second before Australia finished the main threat. He bowled with Labuschagne 3-0-9-0 off a victory by an innings and subtle variety and just missing Toss: Australia 48 runs under lights to complete edges while getting regular Result: Australia won by an innings and 48 runs Umpires: Richard Illingworth (ENG), a two-test series sweep with wickets and conceding few runs Michael Gough (ENG) more than a day to spare. with the old ball. TV Umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) The 32-year-old Lyon (5-69) The sixth-wicket pair offered Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) now has 50 Test wickets at the some stubborn defense before Adelaide Oval, where he’d Lyon had Iftikhar Ahmed (27) worked as a curator before caught by Labuschagne at short making the national team, his leg. Retired Smith 16th five-wicket haul in Tests He trapped trapped Yasir and his first against Pakistan. Shah (13) lbw in front with a ball confirms The pace trio of Mitchell that skidded and sped on and Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh went to the dinner break midway ongoing Hazlewood did most of the The Australian team celebrates after Australia defeated Pakistan on the fourth day of the second through his 25th over when discussions damage in the first Test, which cricket Test match in Adelaide yesterday. Shaheen was caught at mid-off Australia won by an innings and by Hazlewood. over South five runs, and in Pakistan’s first “They played wonderful innings in Adelaide before the also produced back-to-back something really special.” Pakistan slumped to 229-8. The cricket, especially David Warner Africa role follow-on was enforced. centuries as the Australian Warner’s 335 was the second- visitors added only 10 further for this match,” Pakistan captain Pakistan resumed at 39-3 on batsmen dominated an inexpe- highest Test score by an Aus- runs after the break. Azhar Ali said. “We were beaten REUTERS day four and took the total to 123 rienced Pakistan attack. tralian - behind Matt Hayden’s Azhar Ali’s lineup was 39-3 in all three departments (but) we CAPE TOWN before Lyon came into his own “To win by an innings, two 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003 overnight after being forced to take some positives. on familiar turf with five consec- games in a row, is an exceptional - and in the top 10 of all time. follow-on on day three, when “It’s very hard over here with utive wickets. effort,” Warner said during a Warner had a torrid series in they were bowled out for 302 to a young bowling attack. We Graeme Smith has Hazlewood picked up the presentation for the player of the the Ashes, when he averaged just surrender a 287-run first-innings came here with a lot of expecta- confirmed he is again in penultimate wicket soon after series award. 9.5 in five Tests and his position lead after Starc took six wickets. tions. It didn’t go well this time discussions with Cricket the dinner break and Cummins Australia captain Tim Paine at the top of the Australian order Shan Masood scored 68 in a around, but I’m positive for the South Africa (CSA) to be their finished off the match when he said his team played “fantastic came into scrutiny. determined, 127-ball stand that future. The bowlers and (I) have new Director of Cricket, but threw down the stumps at the cricket” and praised Warner’s Lyon’s returns had been ended when he advanced to learned a lot from this.” said a newspaper report that non-striker’s end to run out contribution as one of the best down, despite him creating Lyon and mis-judged a drive to Pakistan will return home to he had already been Mohammad Abbas. innings ever by an Australian opportunities, until his burst of mid-off, where Starc took a host its first Test series in a appointed was premature. Opener David Warner’s batsman, particularly given the wickets late against Pakistan. simple catch to end a 103-run decade on home soil, against Sri Smith, the most suc- triple century set Australia on unpredictable nature of the pink Lyon dismissed Shaheen fourth-wicket stand and make Lanka. cessful Test captain in course for another big win, fol- ball under lights. Afridi to complete a five-wicket the score 123-4. Australia will take on New cricket history with 53 wins, lowing his 154 in the first Test. “It’s right up there,” Paine haul with the last delivery before Asad Shafiq grafted his way Zealand in a three-Test series had been encouraged to Marnus Labuschagne said. “I think we all witnessed the main interval yesterday as to 57 from 112 balls before he was starting next week in Perth. apply by embattled CSA chief executive officer Thabang Moroe as the Australian coach Justin Langer talks to Imam-ul-Haq Root thrilled with organisation seeks a long- term replacement for Ottis Gibson, whose contract was not renewed after a dismal knock of 226 as World Cup in England. Smith turned down the job in November, but a England take lead report in South Africa’s Sunday Times said that he had now been persuaded to AFP accept it. However, he said HAMILTON that was not true, at least not yet. Joe Root could not hide his delight after a masterful 226 ended his “Contrary to media run drought and gave England a much-needed boost in the second reports I have not been Test against New Zealand yesterday as they ended day four believing appointed Director of they can square the series. Cricket by CSA. As previ- It took a five-wicket haul for the tireless Neil Wagner to bring ously advised, I withdrew England’s first innings to an end at 476, a lead of 101. my application for the role. Australia’s cricket team At stumps, New Zealand were 96 for two and needing to bat late I am, however, in ongoing coach Justin Langer into the final day although rain may yet have the last word with discussions with CSA, but I speaks to Pakistan’s further showers forecast for Tuesday. still have real concerns, players Imam-ul-Haq (left) “It felt good,” a beaming Root said as he put a stream of low which I have reiterated to and Babar Azam (centre) scores behind him. “Once I got in and had the bit between my teeth them,” he said via Twitter. after Australia defeated I wanted to make it a real big one and try and get us in a position Smith called his previous Pakistan on the fourth where we can force a result in this game. I know there’s a bit of discussions with CSA a “frus- day of the second cricket weather around but you just never know. It’ll be one big last push trating process”. Smith Test match in Adelaide from everyone to try and come away with a levelled-up series.” announced in a statement on yesterday. Root said it had been a frustration more than a worry that he Nov. 14 that he was with- had gone 14 Test innings without a century but his return to form drawing his application England’s batsman Joe Root hits SCOREBOARD gave him confidence. having “not developed the a six on day four of the second New Zealand 1st innings ...... 375 “It’s nice to get back to scoring some big runs,” he said. “I found necessary confidence that I cricket Test match between England 1st innings ....(overnight 269-5) a really good rhythm out there, felt pretty comfortable and I just would be given the level of England and New Zealand R. Burns run out (Raval/Watling) ...... 101 wanted to keep going. It’s been a while since I’ve had that amount freedom and support to ini- at Seddon Park in Hamilton D. Sibley lbw Southee ...... 4 of time out in the middle and you get really hungry for it.” tiate the required changes”. J. Denly c Watling b Henry ...... 4 yesterday. New Zealand openers Jeet Raval (nought) and Tom Latham (18) Moroe has come under J. Root c Nicholls b Santner ...... 226 were out early in their second innings, and for Raval it continued a fire for the length of time it B. Stokes c Taylor b Southee ...... 26 Z. Crawley c Watling b Wagner ...... 1 disappointing run in which he has failed to reach double figures in has taken to fill the role O. Pope c Raval b Wagner ...... 75 six of his last 10 innings. vacated by Gibson in August, S. Curran not out ...... 11 But after being 28 for two, New Zealand’s most skilled batsmen especially with a looming, C. Woakes c Watling b Wagner ...... 0 Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor prevented further damage with high-profile four-Test home J. Archer b Wagner ...... 8 Williamson on 37 at stumps and Taylor on 31. series against England that C. Broad b Wagner ...... 0 If Raval was feeling the pressure of his slump with an away starts on Boxing Day. Extras (b4, lb14, w1, nb1) ...... 20 series against Australia looming, he need only look Root’s timely Little-known Enoch Total (all out; 162.5 overs) ...... 476 double century to see fortunes can change. Nkwe took up the job on an Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Sibley), 2-24 (Denly), 3-201 (Burns), 4-245 (Stokes), 5-262 (Craw- England were 24 for two in their first innings when he went to interim basis for a disastrous ley), 6-455 (Pope), 7-458 (Root), 8-460 the middle where he controlled proceedings in a marathon knock Test tour of India in October (Woakes), 9-476 (Archer), 10-476 (Broad) during which he faced 441 deliveries in nearly 11 hours. that saw the side slip to three Bowling: Southee 37-4-90-2, Henry 33-6-87- It was Root’s third double-century, his longest innings in terms heavy defeats, and will con- 1, Wagner 35.5-3-124-5 1w), Mitchell 22-5-69- of time and balls faced and it ended just 28 runs short of his Test tinue for the England series 0 (1nb), Santner 35-4-88-1 best 254 against Pakistan three years ago. unless a permanent New Zealand 2nd innings He had partnerships of 177 with Rory Burns for the third wicket appointment is made. T. Latham c Root b Woakes ...... 18 and 193 for the sixth-wicket with Ollie Pope. Moroe has also been J. Raval lbw ...... 0 On a placid wicket, Root and Pope slowly accumulated runs criticised for an authori- K. Williamson not out ...... 37 R. Taylor not out ...... 31 eary on the fourth day to ensure a first-innings lead and then picked tarian style of leadership Extras: (b1, lb2, w2, p5) ...... 10 up the pace to build on the advantage. that saw CSA briefly revoke Total: (two wickets; 34 overs) ...... 96 The 21-year-old Pope, in only his fourth Test, progressed to 75 the media accreditation of Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Raval), 2-28 (Latham) before his valuable contribution ended with an edge to yet another five journalists on Sunday, Bowling: Broad 5-0-18-0, Curran 8-1-26-1 Wagner bouncer. Four balls later, it was all over for Root whose before restoring their access (2w), Archer 7-0-19-0, Woakes 7-3-8-1, Stokes exquisite timing deserted him when an attempt to hit Mitchell Santner hours later after an outcry 6-1-17-0, J. Denly 1-1-0-0 out of the ground turned into a soft catch to Henry Nicholls at deep over press freedom. cover. TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 09

ENGLISH English club Team P W D L PTS Magical Messi sinks Atletico Liverpool 14 13 1 0 40 goes green Leicester 14 10 2 2 32 Man City 14 9 2 3 29 with bamboo Chelsea 14 8 2 4 26 as Barca return to the top Tottenham 14 5 5 4 20 shin pads Wolves 14 4 8 2 20 REUTERS Sheff Utd 14 4 7 3 19 MADRID AFP Arsenal 14 4 7 3 19 LONDON Man Utd 14 4 6 4 18 underlined his Burnley 14 5 3 6 18 High-flying English fourth tier ability to make the difference Crystal Palace 14 5 3 6 18 side Forest Green Rovers are to on big occasions by hitting a Bournemouth 14 4 4 6 16 wear bamboo shin pads, sensational late goal to give West Ham 14 4 4 6 16 furthering their claims to be the Barcelona a 1-0 win at title Newcastle 14 4 4 6 16 world’s greenest football club, rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday Aston Villa 14 4 3 7 15 they announced yesterday. as the champions reclaimed top Brighton 14 4 3 7 15 Forest Green -- whose envi- spot in from Real Everton 14 4 2 8 14 ronmental credentials have Madrid. Southampton 14 3 3 8 12 been recognised by FIFA and the The Argentine, playing his Norwich 14 3 2 9 11 United Nations -- had already 701st game for Barca, settled a Watford 14 1 5 8 8 become the first team to switch pulsating and tense encounter to bamboo kit at the beginning in the 86th minute, galloping of the season. down the right wing and cutting SPANISH LA LIGA TABLE Team P W D L PTS The club, presently second inside before playing a one-two in League Two, are working with Luis Suarez and guiding Barcelona 14 10 1 3 31 with a US manufacturer of eco- the ball into the bottom corner. Real Madrid 14 9 4 1 31 friendly products on the bamboo It was Messi’s 30th goal in Sevilla 15 9 3 3 30 shin pads. 39 competitive games against Real Sociedad 15 8 2 5 26 “Forest Green Rovers are the Atletico and inflicted a first 15 7 5 3 26 first professional club to switch home defeat on Diego Sime- Atletico Madrid 15 6 7 2 25 to bamboo shin pads -- moving one’s side since they were Getafe 15 6 6 3 24 away from current products beaten by Real Madrid at the Valencia 15 6 5 4 23 made largely from plastic,” the Wanda Metropolitano in Lionel Messi of Barcelona shoots to score against Atletico Madrid during their La Liga match Osasuna 15 5 7 3 22 club said in a statement. February. at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday. Granada 15 6 3 6 21 “The low-profile shin pads Messi’s strike saw Barca Levante 15 6 2 7 20 are impact resistant and are return to the top of the standings Real Betis 15 5 4 6 19 anti-microbial.” with 31 points after 14 games, Alvaro Morata. Atleti were also Atleti were under pressure swooping to the ground to beat Villarreal 15 5 3 7 18 Forest Green chairman Dale ahead of Real Madrid on goal fortunate not to have a player after one win in their previous away a header from Morata, Alaves 15 5 3 7 18 Vince said bamboo was an ideal difference, while Atletico were sent off when Vitolo slammed six games and they made a while he watched a shot from Valladolid 15 4 6 5 18 material for shin pads. left in sixth spot on 25 points, into Pique’s knee with a fierce flying start, nearly going ahead Hector Herrera fly past the post. Real Betis 14 4 4 6 16 “Bamboo is a natural wonder, having played one match more challenge a few minutes later when Barca’s Junior Firpo Barca were cagey in their Eibar 15 4 3 8 15 a sustainable material that’s ridic- than the two pacesetters. after picking up an earlier deflected a cross against the far approach for large chunks of the Real Mallorca 15 4 2 9 14 ulously strong and ultra-light- Atleti and Barca hit the booking. Antoine Griezmann got post. game although Pique hit the bar Celta Vigo 15 3 4 8 13 weight, making it perfect for shin woodwork and visiting keeper a hostile reception from the Soon after Ter Stegen pulled with a header before the break Espanyol 15 2 3 10 9 pads as well as better for the Marc-Andre ter Stegen made home fans in his first game off a marvellous save by using and Ivan Rakitic scuffed a shot Leganes 15 1 3 11 6 planet and for our players. two stunning saves, while the against his old side since a bitter his body to thwart Mario straight at keeper Jan Oblak. Reducing plastic use is an home side felt Gerard Pique €120m ($132.26m) transfer to Hermoso from point-blank Roared on by 67,000 fans, ITALIAN TABLE important part of the fight against should have been shown a Barca in the close season and range. Atletico looked more likely to Team P W D L PTS the climate crisis and sport has a second yellow card in the had a poor game, firing his one The German then demon- snatch a winner but yet again 14 12 1 1 37 vital role to play in this.” second half for a late tackle on chance over the bar. strated outstanding reflexes by Messi proved the difference. Juventus 14 11 3 0 36 Lazio 14 9 3 2 30 As Roma 14 8 4 2 28 Cagliari 13 7 4 2 25 Atalanta 14 7 4 3 25 Martinez fires Inter to top of Serie A Napoli 14 5 5 4 20 Parma 14 5 3 6 18 REUTERS half through a moment of individual bril- Martinez was the hero for Inter last goalkeeper Etrit Berisha and give his side Hellas Verona 14 5 3 6 18 MILAN liance from , but Inter hung Wednesday when he scored twice in a a comfortable advantage. Torino 14 5 2 7 17 on to take advantage of Juventus crucial 3-1 Champions League win at The visitors reduced the deficit five AC Milan 14 5 2 7 17 Inter Milan moved above Juventus to the dropping points by drawing 2-2 against Slavia Prague, and the striker needed minutes into the second half when Valoti Bologna 14 4 4 6 16 top of the Serie A table with a 2-1 win at Sassuolo earlier in the day. just 16 minutes to make his mark against dribbled past three defenders and Fiorentina 14 4 4 6 16 home to SPAL on Sunday, thanks to a It was Inter’s 12th win in their first SPAL. showed the composure to find the corner Sassuolo 13 4 2 7 14 Lautaro Martinez double. 14 games of the season, setting a club Inter won the ball in midfield and with his finish. Lecce 14 3 5 6 14 The Argentina international struck record as their best-ever start to a Martinez led a quick counter before Inter had a glorious chance to restore Udinese 14 4 2 8 14 with a low finish into the corner and campaign. arrowing a low finish into the bottom their two-goal advantage when Mar- Sampdoria 13 3 3 7 12 headed in his second goal before Antonio Conte’s side are now one corner from outside the box. tinez was sent clean through on goal, Genoa 14 2 4 8 10 halftime to take his tally for the season point ahead of Juve on 37, while SPAL He added his second goal of the but Berisha made a well-timed challenge SPAL 14 2 3 9 9 to 13 in all competitions. remain second from bottom and without game shortly before the break, rising to on the striker as he tried to round the Brescia 13 2 1 10 7 SPAL pulled one back in the second a win in their past seven matches. head ’s cross beyond goalkeeper and notch up a hat-trick. Man United frustrated again in 2-2 draw with Aston Villa

AP Solskjaer not worried about Manchester United’s difficult season continued on Sunday with a frustrating 2-2 United’s Leaguegp position draw in the Premier League against Aston Villa, whose defender Tyrone Mings had another standout performance. REUTERS It seemed United was getting into gear MANCHESTER when Victor Lindelof’s header put the Reds 2-1 ahead at Old Trafford from having been Manchester United’s 2-2 draw withwith AstonAston a goal down. But the lead lasted just two Villa on Sunday left them ninthnth in tthehe minutes before Villa hit back with Tyrone Premier League, and a massive 2222 points Mings’ 66th-minute volley. behind leaders Liverpool, but managermanager Earlier, Jack Grealish had given Villa the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (pictured)d) sayssays lead with a fine finish into the top corner he is not overly concerned aboutut their after cutting inside. current position. “We created loads of big chances that United recovered from Jack GrealGreal-- should have won this game but overall I don’t ish’s 11th-minute opener to movee in ffrontront think we deserved to, especially after the courtesy an own goal by Tom Heatonaton andand first half,” United manager Ole Gunnar Sol- a header from Victor Lindelof, oonlynly to be skjaer said. pegged back by a Tyrone Mingss vovolley.lley. He was particularly critical of United’s A win would have lifted Unitedted to ffifth,ifth, slow start given that he’d rested the entire though Solskjaer said his team didd not sshowhow starting XI for Thursday’s Europa League enough quality to get the three points.points. game in Kazakhstan. “I wouldn’t have sat here andd talkedtalked United’s equalizer just before halftime about us being fifth if we had gotot tthathat was written up as an own-goal for Tom one goal extra, so the league tableble at Heaton, but really belonged to Marcus this point is not the biggest concerncern Rashford. because it is so tight,” Solskjaer said.aid. The United forward jumped for a header “We created loads of bigbig which came off the post and ricocheted into chances that should have won thishis the net off Heaton’s back before the Villa game but overall I don’t think wewe goalkeeper could react. deserved to, especially after thehe United has won just two of its last nine first half.” Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates Premier League games and sits ninth, eight United, who have taken just 18 after scoring their first goal with team- points off the Champions League spots. points from 14 games, host fifth-fth- Villa is 15th, three points above the rel- placed Tottenham Hotspur in the LeaLeaguegue mates during their Serie A match against egation places in its first season back in the tomorrow. SPAL in San Siro, Milan, Italy, on Sunday. Premier League since 2015-16. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2019 Afif named Asian Player of the Year RIZWAN REHMAT ceremony held in , A player with great accel- THE PENINSULA was instrumental in eration with the ball, Afif winning the 2019 Asian Cup remains a major threat to any Qatar’s rising star earlier this year. team he faces. He scored once yesterday was named Asian The Al Sadd left winger and in Qatar’s Asian Cup title victory Player of the Year after an a key national team player but more importantly he was impressive run under coach Felix Sanchez, Afif involved in 10 goals that the of form for yesterday said in a statement: national side scored during its club and “I want to thank my family, seven-match winning streak. country coaches, friends at Aspire The young player scored five this Academy and more importantly goals for Al Sadd who reached year. my team-mates at every level the semi-finals of the AFC for helping in my career.” Champions League this year. Afif, The 23-year-old added: “I Afif’s Asian Player of the who was could not attend the ceremony Year trophy was received on his not as I am playing with the national behalf by Barcelona legend and ROLL OF HONOUR present at team in the Gulf Cup. This is a Spanish World Cup winner the AFC huge honour for me. I would who captained the young Qatari AFC Diamond of Asia: Asian Awards like to thank the AFC for this at Al Sadd the last two seasons. H M Seri Paduka Baginda the Yang award. My thanks also go out to FIFA President Gianni di-Pertuan Agong Al Sultan Abdullah the management of the Qatar Infantino handed over the Ri’ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni national team. I cannot forget trophy to Xavi as AFC President Japan’s national team and Olympique Lyonnais player Saki Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al my family, who are my main Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Kumagai (left), winner of AFC Women’s Player of the Yearaward, supporters. This means a lot to warmly applauded on the stage. Musta’in Billah and Al Sadd’s coach Xavi, who received the AFC Men’s Player AFC Member Association of the Year: me and I must thank all of “Congrats to Akram Afif. His of the Year award on behalf of Qatar’s Akram Afif, pose with you again for this award,” performance was amazing. He Inspiring: Japan Football Association the trophies during the Annual Awards ceremony of Asian Developing: The Hong Kong Football Afif said in a recorded deserved this award,” Xavi said Football Confederation (AFC) in Hong Kong, yesterday. message. yesterday. Association Ltd. Afif also became the “He did great for Al Sadd Aspiring: Guam Football Association third Qatari player to win until we reached in the semi- national team. I would like to the national team and Olym- AFC President Recognition Award for the prestigious award finals (of the AFC Champions thank the management of Al pique Lyonnais. They’ve helped Grassroots Football: after League). He is a great talent. He Sadd club, and me grow up as a footballer and Inspiring Member Association: Chinese (2006) and Abdelkarim is a good guy. He is young and QFA for their roles, but thanks their support has led me to this Football Association Hassan (2018). improving all the time. It is a to the players themselves to get stage. This award will continue Developing Member Association: Football pleasure to coach him. He is a to this stage.” to motivate me to perform to Association of Singapore big match player,” Xavi added. Mohammed Ghulam, Head the best of my abilities.” Aspiring Member Association: National When asked if a Qatari of Football at Al Sadd, said: “I AFC President Shaikh Football Association of Brunei Darussalam player could complete a hat- would like to congratulate Salman said yesterday: “Tonight AFC Coach of the Year: trick of AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif on winning the we celebrated the stars of the awards next year, Xavi said: award. Akram had a wonderful sport who have represented Women: Asako Takakura (JPN) “Yes, why not. Qatar players are season and it would have been their country, clubs and the Men: Chung Jung-yong (KOR) improving all the time. This is unfair if the prize has gone to continent at the highest level. AFC Futsal Player of the Year: an exciting time in Qatar any other player. Akram is a We applaud their exemplary Tomoki Yoshikawa (JPN) football.” great player and has a long achievements which will AFC Women Player of the Year: Former Al Sadd coach career ahead of him and we motivate and inspire future (JPN) Jesualdo Ferreira said: “I feel hope he wins this award again.” stars of the game. AFC Player of the Year: proud that I have groomed He added: As Akram Afif “I must thank all the AFC Akram Afif (QAT) brilliant talents like of said in his statement that Member Associations, stake- AFC Youth Player of the Year: and without his fellow players, he holders and to our host - the Women: (JPN) Akram Afif. I am very would not have won this award. Hong Kong Football Association Men: Lee Kang-in (KOR) pleased to see the game We are proud at Al Sadd that we – for staging the AFC Annual AFC Asian International Player of the improving in the have provided the best three Awards in a glitzy celebration Year: country. Akram Afif is players in Asia, and we will try which truly mirrors the massive Son Heung-min (KOR) the best player in the to bring more players in the success of all the award Asian continent.” coming seasons.” recipients.” QFA President Also yesterday, Saki Sheikh Hamad bin Kumagai of Japan won the Congrats to Akram Afif. His Khalifa bin Ahmed Al women’s AFC Player of the Year performance was amazing. Thani, who was present in award. Hong Kong, said: “This is a Kumagai, Japan’s captain He deserved this award. He proud moment for Qatar and one of Asia’s most accom- did great for Al Sadd until we football, for Al Sadd and for plished footballers, who cap- reached in the semi-finals (of Akram Afif’s fans. He did tured a fourth UEFA Champions the AFC Champions League). extremely well for Al Sadd in the League title with Olympique Al Sadd’s AFC Champions League. He had Lyonnais and represented her He is a great talent. He is a big performances for Qatar in country at the FIFA Women’s coach and good guy. He is young and the Asian Cup as well. Akram World Cup France 2019, said: Barcelona improving all the time. It is a has a long journey ahead of him “It is a great honour to receive since he is only 23-year-old and this award. I would like to take great Xavi pleasure to coach him. He is a we hope he achieves full this opportunity to thank all the Hernandez big match player. ambition, whether for him per- people who supported me, sonally or for the club or the especially my team-mates in

YEAR NAME NATION 2019 Akram Afif Qatar XaviXav backs Qatar to fight hard at 2018 Abdelkarim Hassan Qatar 2017 Omar Kharbin Syria 2016 UAE WWorldor Cup after Afif’s accolade 2015 UAE 2014 Nasser Al Shamrani AFPAAFFFPP Afif, who beat goalkeeper 2013 HONGHHOOONNNGG KONG and Japan 2012 Lee Keun-ho South Korea defender to the 2011 Server Djeparov Uzbekistan BarcelonaBBaaararcrccelona legendlle and Al Sadd honour, is the second Qatari in a 2010 Sasa Ognenovski Australia coachccooaacch XaviXavi backedb hosts Qatar to I think they have a very row to win the men’s prize after 2009 Yasuhito Endō Japan makemmamakakke an imimpressionm at the next good team and also a very defender Abdelkarim Hassan last 2008 Server Djeparov Uzbekistan WorldWWoorld CuCCupp aafter exciting forward good coach. They are well year. 2007 Yasser Al -Qahtani Saudi Arabia 2006 Khalfan Ibrahim Qatar AkramAkAkrAkram AAfifAfiff wwasa named Asian player organised on the pitch His award comes exactly nine off thetheh yearyeare yesterday.yye years after Qatar were named as 2005 Hamad Al Montashari Saudi Arabia -basedDohDoDohaoh -baba Xavi, who col- and they have a very good surprise World Cup hosts. 2004 Iran lectedllecectcttedd thetheh awardaw on Afif’s behalf at generation of players... 2003 Iran thetthhe AsAsiaAsiannnF FoFootball Confederation Many players that can 2002 Japan awardsawarwarrdss inin HongH Kong, said the make the difference 2001 China QatarisQaQataQatatarisrii wouwwouldou be competitive in on the pitch. They are 2000 Nawaf Al Temyat Saudi Arabia 2022022 “for“fofoor sure”.suur working really well and 1999 Iran Japan’sJapaapapan’n’sn Saki Kumagai was they can compete in 2022 1998 Japan rewardedrewrewardedrdd d fforr a glittering career for 1997 Hidetoshi Nakata Japan for sure: Xavi clubcluubb andndd coucountryn as she was named 1996 Iran women’swomeen’s’s playerpplapla of the year at the 1995 Japan ceremonycerereemmomony ini protest-hit Hong Cup with Spain,ain, saisaidd ooff Qatar. 1994 Saeed Al Owairan Saudi Arabia Kong.Kong. “I think theythey havehave a very Afif,AfifA f,23, 2323,, made a record 10 good team andd also a ververyy gogoodod assistsassassiistsst asas QQatara stormed to their coach. They arere wewellll organiseorganisedd firstfirsfi stAst AsAsianiian CCup title in February, on the pitch andand theythey have a reapingreaprereapingn theheh rewards of heavy very good generationeneration ofof investmentinvestmstmetmentn iinn their national set-up players... Manyany pplayerslayers as tthehehe World Woorldorld Cup looms. that can makeke tthehe ddif-if- AfifAfii alsalsooho hhelped Xavi’s Al Sadd ference on the reachreacreach thethe AFCAFF Champions League pitch. semi-finals,semisemi-finalsals,a where they lost to “They aree SaudiSauSaSaudi eveventualentue a winners Al Hilal 6-5 working onn aaggregate.ggregg gatgateg really well “I“ tthinkhinknkk they are working and they veryve welwell,lltl, tthey are competing can compete againstagainst ververy big countries,” in 2022 for Akram Afif Xavi,XiXavi, whwhoho wwon the 2010 World sure.” TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Qatar knock UAE out

PICTURES: SYED BASHEER, MOHAMED FARAG AND ANVAR SADATH

Qatari captain Hassan Al Haydos Iraq top Group A celebrates after scoring the after draw team’s third goal. ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

Iraq finished Group A leaders at the 24th after finishing their league engagements with a goalless draw with Yemen at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. Coach Sercko Katanec’s side thus finished with seven points from three matches, with two wins and yesterday’s draw and thus qualified for the semi-final stage along with Qatar. Iraq’s two wins came against Qatar and UAE. The hosts took the second spot collecting six points from two wins against UAE and Yemen. Yemen finished last in the group with a lone point. In the semi-finals, Iraq will take on Bahrain while Qatar will meet Group B winners Saudi Arabia on December 5. Yesterday, Yemen which had no chance of Jubilant Qatari fans at the Khalifa International Stadium. Qatar’s defender (centre) heads the ball to score. qualifying gave a good account of themselves, repulsing the Iraq attacks and at times coming up with a few stray moves into the rival territory. The war-torn country looking for their maiden win at the Gulf Cup nearly pulled a fast one 15 minutes into the second half. Bahrain beat in feisty contest Striker Abdulwasea Al Matari beat the Iraqi keeper Fahad Raheem with a long ranger trig- FAWAD HUSSAIN defending champions Oman packing an advantage.FINAL STANDINGS The 10-time champions were gering victory celebrations among the Yemini fans. THE PENINSULA with a 3-1 win yesterday. denied a goal when Yousef Alsu- The celebrations were cut shot when referee Well aware of importance of the GROUP A laiman’s strike in the 65th minute Ahmed Alali took the help of the VAR and the goal Bahrain yesterday produced a gutsy game, both Kuwait and Bahrain RK/TEAM G W D L GD PTS was cancelled after VAR found he was disallowed as Matari was pulled up for an performance to knock 10-time cham- started on bright notes and played 1. Iraq 3 2 1 0 4-1 7 committed a foul on his way to the infringement against an Iraqi player. pions Kuwait out of 24th Arabian Gulf aggressive football exchanging attacks 2. Qatar 3 2 0 1 11-4 6 attack. Iraq pressed more men in the attack in last Cup, registering a thrilling 4-2 victory in both the halves. Striker Thiago 3. UAE 3 1 0 2 5-6 3 However, Jassim Al Sheikh’s strike ten minutes during which period they came close in the crucial Group B match at the Augusto excelled for the winning side 4. Yemen 3 0 1 2 0-9 1 in 69th minute was spot on, giving to scoring twice. Khalifa International Stadium. scoring two late second half goals. GROUP B Bahrain a 2-1 lead. First, Shareef Al Amari shot went close to the The impressive victory saw After an evenly-contested first 45 1. KSA 3 2 0 1 6-4 6 Striker Augusto made it 3-1 for target and soon Ali Atiyah header missed the mark. Bahrain - who are yet to win the minutes of the match, Ali Madan pro- 2. Bahrain 3 1 1 1 4-4 4 Bahrain in 83rd minute but Kuwait Yemen continue to keep the marauding Iraqi coveted Gulf Cup trophy – finishing duced a magic in stoppage time just 3. Oman 3 1 1 1 3-4 4 bounced back after a couple of strikers at bay till the final whistle to get their first on second position in Group B. They before the halftime to give Bahrain 4. Kuwait 3 1 0 2 6-7 3 minutes through Ahmed Zanki, who point of the tournament. will face Group A toppers Iraq in lead. pulled home one with five minutes Thursday’s semi-final. It was a solo effort from the left. The second semi-final will be 24-year-old, who sprinted from the Kuwait bounced back in the Kuwait made many attacks but it played between Asian champions left and chipped the ball past goal- match through Yousef Nasser, who was Augusto, who added another goal Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who finished keeper Hameed Said Yousef as made a no mistake in a 59th minute for Bahrain in the stoppage time to on top of Group B after sending Bahrain went into the breather with penalty. secure a 4-2 victory over Bahrain. Saudi Arabia beat holders Oman to reach semis ARMSTRONG VAS match yesterday at the Khalifa Inter- a win to qualify for the semi-finals, cross from play maker Yasir THE PENINSULA national Stadium. set the pace of the match with their Alshahrani. The winners struck twice in the lion share of possession in the first Saudi Arabia continued to dictate Saudi Arabia shattered Oman’s dream first half. Firas Al Buraikan gave the half. terms in the midfield with some skillful of qualifying for the semi-final of the Saudis the lead in the 26th minute, The Saudis had 66 percent pos- play keeping Oman players guessing a by inflicting a Hattan Bahebri made it 2-0 with three session in the first half and made 356 number of times. Oman did try to break 3-1 defeat on the defending champions minutes to go for the first half whistle. passes with an 85 percent accuracy open the Saudi defense but without any and qualified for the semi-finals at the Ten minutes into the second half, rate. On the other hand, Oman were success. On the other hand, Saudi Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. Oman pulled one back through Al contend in getting back at the Saudi Arabia consolidated the lead with a few Saudi Arabia thus finished with six Mandhar Al Alawi to give a glimmer defense through the counter attacks. minutes to go for the first half. points from three matches, with one of hope of fighting back. Saudis which took to the field in Bahebri, one of the Al Hilal players loss and two wins qualified along with The joy was short lived as Saudi the first match of the group without in the side, converted a cross to make Bahrain from Group B. Oman, which Arabia got their third goal of the match seven of the Al Hilal players, part of it 2-0. finished with a tally of four points from with Bahebri adding his name on the the AFC Champions League winning In the second half, Oman started one win, one loss and one draw did scorers list for the second time in the side, have been a transformed side in with a bang scoring in the 10th minute not make it to the next stage. Oman match. their next two matches with the return to give hopes of a comeback. lost the qualification race, as both fin- Saudi Arabia were clearly the more of the Asian club title winning Oman striker Al Alawi wrong ished with the same number of points superior side on the pitch. They saw members. footed a rival defender and seeing a but Bahrain qualified on a better goal more of ball, were more accurate in Both the teams took time to test small opening infront of him unleash difference. their passing and punched holes in the the goalkeeper’s and it was Oman’s a long ranger which beat the Saudi Saudi Arabia take on Group A defense when it mattered the most. Mohsin Al Khadi, who fired a long keeper Altambakti all ends up. runners up Qatar in the semi-final on Saudi Arabia, which started their ranger which the Saudi keeper Hassan The joy of Oman supporters, who December 5 while in the other semi- Gulf Cup campaign on a losing note to Altambakti deflected for a flag kick. outnumbered the Saudi fans, was Iraqi and Yemani players vie for the ball final on the same day Iraq, the Group Kuwait, went on the offensive right Saudi Arabia opened the scoring however short lived as Saudi again possession during their Group A match at A winners will meet Bahrain, who from kick off. through 19-year-old Buraikan who broke through the defense to make it the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. defeated Kuwait 6-2 in a high scoring Coach Herve Renard side, needing kept his composure to deflect home a 3-1. SPORT

PAGE | 08 PAGE | 09 Australia beat Magical Messi Pakistan by sinks Atletico as innings and Barcelona return 48 runs to the top

Tuesday 3 December 2019

Asia's best Afif shines with a brilliantt doubledouble Gulf Cup: Qatar ease past UAE to reach semi-finals

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

Rising star Akram Afif celebrated his 2019 Asian Player of the Year award by firing a brace as Qatar stormed into the semi-finals of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup with a crushing 4-2 victory over the UAE at packed Khalifa International Stadium, yesterday. Following the emphatic win, the Felix Sanchez’s side finished the pre- liminary stage on second position after collecting six points, with Iraq topping Group A with 7 points after a goalless draw against Yemen in yesterday’s other match at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. Asian champions Qatar will meet Saudi Arabia, who finished on top of Group B after sending defending cham- pions Oman packing with a 3-1 win yes- terday, in Thursday’s semi final. With a full house of around 44,000 cheering fans creating an electrifying atmosphere, Qatar dominated in both the halves to record their second victory over regional opponents in 11 months, with their first being the famous 4-0 drubbing against them at the AFC Asian Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Second Vice-Presidentsident DrDr T Thanihhaannii bbibinbinn Cup semi-final in January. Abdulrahamn Al Kuwari and Secretary-General Jassim Rashid Al Buenain celebrate Qatar’s victoryy againstagainst thethe UnitedUnnitteed Yesterday turned out to be an all Arab Emirates in their Arabian Gulf Cup Group A match played at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, yesterday.yesstteerdddaaayy. Afif show as the 23-year-old, a couple of hours after being named the AFC Al Annabi continued to play the chance breaking through Qatar fine display of dodgingodging by A Almoez.llmomomoeoeezz. Player of the Year, gave Qatar lead in attacking football to keep pressure on defense and a tackle by goalkeeper Saad It was Sanchez’schez’s sideside whwhichhichchh the 20th minute and added another their opponents, who entered the match Al Sheeb was enough for the Japanese remained dominantnt afterafter a 3-1 leadleeaadd andanndd eight minutes later through a penalty. in a must win situation. referee to give penalty straightaway when Hatim replacedplaced capcaptaintaaiiinn AlAl Qatar captain Hasan Al Haydos was In a 25th minute attack led by Karim which the UAE star took perfectly. Haydos, he was immediatelymmediately sseeneeeenn inin on target in the 53rd minute before Boudiaf – who started in place of Meanwhile, Afif continued to lead action hitting a ballall on target, withwwiith 2020 Boualem Khouki completed the score- – Japan referee Sato attacks and won a free kick just outside minutes left. line just before the final whistle. Striker Ryuji had to consult VAR for a penalty the box and when the UAE made a But when Qatartar appeareappearedd sailingssaaaiilliinnngg scored the UAE goals in in favour of Qatar, penalising defender counter attack, the 23-year-old was towards a comfortablertable victorvictory,yy,, MMab-aabb- 33 and 77 minutes. Mohamed Saleh for a handball inside cautioned for bringing down a dan- khout, who took captain’scaptain’s ararmm bbabandanndd “Congratulations to all of Qatar, the the circle while trying to stop raging gerous looking Mabkhout in stoppage from Ismail Salem scoredscored hishis secondseeccoonnndd ofof fans and the players,” a delighted Boudiaf. time to ensure a 2-1 advantage for the match in a corner.ner. Sanchez said after the match. Afif took the penalty and was again Qatar. Afif came close to completing his Afif’s heroics camecame to anan endennd withwwiithth “We played a good match in both on target to make it 2-0 for Qatar, firing hat-trick soon after the halftime when three minutes leftleft withwith SanchezSaannchheeezz the halves and created many chances the ball on the right corner with goalie he picked up a clever pass from captain deciding to call backack tthehe striker,strikeer,, wwhohhoo while converting some of them. We Hasan diving on the opposite direction. Hasan Al Haydos nicely but was unlucky was given a standinging ovation bby f fans.faaannnss. deserved the victory,” Qatar coach But a double lead for Al Annabi as his shot hit the top post. Just when refereeree was checkingcheckkinngg thethhee added before heaping praise on Afif. lasted for only few minutes with UAE The striker had to be treated after watch for a final whistle,h l Khoukihk hheadedd d “It’s a great day for Afif. We are very bouncing back with a goal on penalty a rash tackle by UAE’s Tariq Ahmed, home their fourth goal to complete happy for him he has been a very hard- by striker Mabkhout – who scored a who was shown the yellow card soon another memorable victory over the Qatar’s Akram Afif celebrates after scoring working player and deserve the hat-trick against Yemen. after which Al Haydos was on target UAE and advanced in the last-four stage his second goal against UAE yesterday. accolade,” said Sanchez. Winger Bandar Mohammed created from near the penalty area after a of the regional event. PICTURE: ANVAR SADATH UAE head coach Bert van Marwijk said: “ We conceded goals too easily at Qatari defender Boualem Khoukhi (left) celebrates with his crucial moments.” SEMI-FINALS team-mates after scoring their fourth goal yesterday. The three-time champions - (Thursday, December 5) seeking a victory when even a draw was enough - started early attacks with pre- Qatar vs Saudi Arabia vious match’s hat-trick scorer Iraq vs Bahrain Abdelkarim Hassan giving a threat in the fifth minute by picking up a long ball, which he could not controlled com- pletely with just goalkeeper Mohamed Hasan on his way. Striker also got a chance but the striker failed to pick up a lofty pass for a breakaway goal as Qatar con- tinued to push the UAE defenders with repeated attacks but was unable to score the opener in the first quarter, which saw a few attacks from the UAE as well. Afif created another chance with a clever underpass to Almoez, who failed to defeat goalkeeper Hasan from a close range. The star Al Sadd striker then took matter on his own hands and dodged two defenders to score the opener with a deft flick.