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26 January 2019
Asian Cup 2019 : Akram Afif and Qatar made history
Qatar reached the Asian Cup semi-finals for the first time ever after defeating South Korea.
After clinching four wins in as many games in this Asian Cup 2019, the Qataris were facing a huge challenge on Friday : a victory over South Korea in quarter finals would mean that Qatar would reach the last four of the competition for the first time.
Qatar eventually made history thanks to Abdelaziz Hatim who netted the winner against South Korea after 78 minutes.
“I am the happiest coach in the world today, what the players have done is amazing for both us and the country. Even though we are taking it game by game, because that is the only way to do it, we came here determined to show that we can compete with the very best of Asia”, said the head coach Felix Sanchez Bas.
The Spaniard has led this new generation through the youth ranks (notably at the Maurice Revello Tournament 2014) and then at the senior level. And guided them to this achievement.
One player from this new generation is establishing himself as the Qatar’s technical leader : Akram Afif, seen at the Maurice Revello Tournament 2014. First Qatari player to have appeared in La Liga, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has produced a string of good performances in this Asian Cup 2019. If Qatar boast the best attack (12 goals), this is due in part to the impact of Afif : the latter is leading both assists (5) and chances created (17) charts in this Asian Cup.
The Villarreal player (currently on loan at Al-Sadd) hopes to continue his good form on this Tuesday against country host United Arab Emirates in the semi-finals.
Amayes Brahmi
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