AICHI-NAGOYA, Japan – Qatar’s beach volleyball pair Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan continued their impressive campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, defeating Iran 2-0 (22-20, 21-13) to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Competing as Qatar 1, the Qatari duo produced a composed and determined performance to overcome a resilient Iranian side and book a semi-final showdown with Thailand today.

Younousse and Tijan made a confident start, displaying excellent concentration and maintaining their composure as Iran fought hard to remain within touching distance. The opening set was closely contested, with the lead changing hands several times before the Qatari pair edged ahead to take it 22-20.

Qatar raised the tempo in the second set, combining disciplined defence, effective attacking play and strong court awareness. Drawing on their experience and well-established understanding, Younousse and Tijan gradually opened up a decisive advantage before closing out the set 21-13 to complete a convincing straight-sets victory.

The result keeps Qatar 1 firmly on course to defend the gold medal they won at the previous edition of the Asian Games, with the pair now just two victories away from retaining their continental title.

Younousse and Tijan have impressed throughout the tournament, overcoming each of their opponents in the earlier rounds and underlining their determination to compete for another Asian Games crown.

The semi-final against Thailand promises to be a crucial encounter, with the winners advancing to the gold-medal match and moving one step closer to the top of the podium in Aichi-Nagoya.