UAE U-23 qualify for Asian Cup finals

A thumping 3-0 win against India secured a spot for the UAE U-23 team at the Asian Cup finals, topping Group G in the process.

The UAE U-23s defeated India U-23 to  qualify for the Asian Cup finals and finish the group stages top of Group G.

The UAE took the lead in the 26th minute, in Dalian Suoyuwan Stadium, through a scrappy goal by Mohammed Abbas Alblooshi. The goal was after a lengthy discussion between the referee and his assistant.

الأبيض الأولمبي يتأهل إلى نهائيات كأس آسيا تحت 23 سنة بعد تصدره المجموعة السابعة ..

ألف مبروووك 🇦🇪#منتخب_الإمارات pic.twitter.com/VZOZ5bhMmu

— UAE NT منتخب الإمارات (@UAEFNT) September 12, 2023

The UAE doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Sultan Adil Alameeri’s low drive from inside the box found the back of the net.

In the second half India looked to put some pressure on the UAE with India head coach Clifford Miranda making a couple of changes, bringing on Rabeeh Anjukandan and Sourav in place of Sanjeev Stalin and Parthib Gogoi.

Despite the attacking threat the UAE increased their lead when goalkeeper Hamad Abdulla Almeqbaali launched a long ball forward, and Eisa Khalfan finished off the move to make it 3-0.