MENA Newswire News Desk: The UAE national youth football team edged out Lebanon in a tightly contested 3-2 win during their opening match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Group C. The match, held at Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium in Kuwait, saw both teams deliver strong performances. The UAE team kicked off their campaign with an early goal from Eid Al Hammadi in the 17th minute, giving them a much-needed lead. However, Lebanon responded quickly, leveling the score before the end of the first half. Ghaith Bader restored the UAE’s lead in the 56th minute with a precise shot, but once again, Lebanon retaliated, making it 2-2.
With the match tied and tensions high, Anthony Khayat scored the decisive goal for the UAE in the 78th minute, securing the win. This victory gives the UAE a crucial three points as they look to advance in the competition. Lebanon, despite a spirited performance, will need to regroup for their next match as they continue their bid for qualification. The UAE, on the other hand, will focus on maintaining momentum in their upcoming fixtures. The AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers serve as a key pathway for teams aiming to participate in the final tournament, with each team vying for a top spot in their group to ensure progression.