Qatar’s Younes Ali (right) vies for the ball with Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan Mekki during their international friendly match in Doha yesterday. The money collected from the match will be donated to the families of the fans killed in the Port Said Stadium disaster in February 2012. RIGHT: Egypt players celebrate after scoring the second goal against Qatar. BOTTOM RIGHT: Egypt’s Elsayed Hamdi celebrates after scoring.
DOHA: Egypt yesterday hammered hosts Qatar 2-0 in a friendly at Al Gharafa Stadium, giving headaches to coach Paulo Autuori ahead of next month’s Gulf Cup.
Goals by Hamdy Al-Sayed (28) and Mohammed Nagy (59) sealed the deal for Bob Bradley-coached Egyptian side that dominated play from the start of the match.
Many people attended the evening match at Al Gharafa Stadium, with people from both sides cheering on their team.
Before the match, Qatar Football Assocation President Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said the money collected from yesterday’s match will be donated to the families of the fans killed in the Port Said Stadium in Febraury 2012.
Al Sayed scored the first goal from close range following a defensive lapse from the home side.
Qatar coach Autuori presented a disgruntled look as the ball went past home goalkeeper Qasim Burahan.
Later in the second half, Nagy hoodwinked his marker and slipped the ball past Burhan with a slick finish again from close range.
Qatar played their chief striker Sebatsian Soria but the home team failed to spark in the match.
Qatar played the Egypt friendly as part of their build-up for next month’s Gulf Cup to be held in Bahrain.
The 2013 Gulf Cup will be contested by eight teams from the region.
The Gulf Cup will be held from January 5 to 18.
It will be the 21st edition of the competition.
Kuwait are the current holders of the competition having lifted th trophy 10 times since it was introduced.
Except beating Lebanon in two 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Qatar has failed to get positive results in all friendlies this year.
Qatar will now head for Bahrain where they will meet the UAE on January 5 followed by a game against Oman on January 8.
Autuori’s side will play the last match against Bahrain on January 11. THE PENINSULA
