DOHA - Qatar emerged the Group J winners of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 Qualifiers after a thrilling 3-2 win over Jordan on Sunday.
The result meant Qatar finished with a perfect nine points while Jordan, despite the defeat, also advanced to the Finals as one of the best five second-placed teams.
Hong Kong, China finished third after a 2-0 win over Singapore.
With both teams tied on six points and Jordan - thanks to a superior goal difference - only needing a draw, the stage was set for a thriller at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Qatar got off to a dream start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Mohamed Khaled Gouda.
Jordan, however, responded by upping their tempo and their hard work paid off in the 39th minute with Odeh Burhan Fakhoury drawing them level. Needing victory to be absolutely sure of advancing, Qatar started the second half in aggressive mode and were rewarded in the 51st minute through Bassam Adel Eid’s strike.
Captain Ibrahim Mohammadali made it 3-1 five minutes later but an own goal from Eid in the 69th minute made it nervy for Qatar. The hosts, however, defended resolutely in the remaining minutes to see out the win.
Only pride was at stake for both teams after having suffered losses to Jordan and Qatar and it was Hong Kong, China who showed more desire with defender Anthony Pinto opening the scoring in the 26th minute.
Forward Ho Tung Lam struck their second three minutes into the second half as Singapore’s hopes of a comeback were dashed.