JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia wheeled back into contention after winning an important match in Group C of the AFC U-17 Championship 2008 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Saudis showed spectacular performance in a lopsided 4-0 triumph over Turkmenistan yesterday. Star striker Ahmad Al-Oufi scored two of the four goals for the Kingdom team.
Al-Oufi opened the Saudi account with a fine solo act in the 22nd minute, flashing past four defenders and slamming the ball in the back of the net.
A long range goal by Yaser Al-Shahrani in the 32nd minute gave the visitors a 2-0 lead at the half. Al-Oufi hit his second goal of the match in the 55th minute after substitute Muhammad Al-Asiri scored when he dipped the ball over the goalkeeper after taking control of a high ball past the enemy’s poor defense.
Earlier in the day, Australia qualified from the group to the next round by beating China 2-1.
The win gave Australia 6 points. Saudi Arabia and China are equal on three points but ranked second and third, respectively, on goal difference. The Saudis lost their opening match against the Aussies. Turkmenistan bowed out of the race with no point.
The next match between Saudi Arabia and China tomorrow will decide which team qualifies second of the group and alongside Australia.
In Group D matches, Japan crushed UAE 6-1 to advance to the next round with 6 points, while Malaysia and Yemen drew 1-1. Yemen is second with four points, Malaysia third with one point and UAE last with no points.
In today’s Group A matches, Iran faces Singapore and Uzbekistan battles Bahrain.
Iran already qualified from this group with 6 points. Indonesia takes on India and Syria plays South Korea in Group B matches.
