Team Qatar secure second place in International Friendly Tournament

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March 25, 2025
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25-March-2025

Team Qatar secure second place in International Friendly Tournament

Doha: Qatar’s U-23 national football team secured second place in the International Friendly Tournament after a 2-2 draw with Australia in their final match, held today at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. The tournament also featured the national teams of Croatia, Egypt, Thailand, and the UAE.

Qatar’s goals came through Jassim Al-Sharshani, who converted a penalty in the 76th minute, and Mohammed Gouda, who scored a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time (90+2). Australia’s goals were scored by Matthew Grimaldi in the 7th minute and Aiden Simmons in the 88th.

With the draw, both teams finished the tournament with 5 points, but Qatar claimed second place on goal difference, while Australia settled for third.

Qatar began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, followed by a 2-1 win over Thailand in the second round.

The U-23 International Friendly Tournament served as an important part of Qatar’s preparations for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for September 2025.

Croatia were crowned champions of the tournament after a 3-1 victory over Thailand at Al-Khor Stadium, finishing with 6 points at the top of the table. Thailand ended the tournament in sixth and last place with zero points.

Meanwhile, Egypt defeated the UAE 5-1 in the final round at Thani bin Jassim Stadium, finishing in fourth place with 4 points, while the UAE dropped to fifth, also on 4 points but behind Egypt on goal difference.