Qatar flew into the semifinal rounds of the handball tournament at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, by beating Saudi Arabia 28-23 in a thrilling game.
The Qataris, who are looking to defend their Asian Games gold from four years ago, were unstoppable against the Saudi Arabians at the Popki Stadium in Jakarta.
Although the Qataris’ superiority was never in doubt, they tended to become defensive towards the end of the game, giving Saudi Arabia a brief respite, before closing down the game once and for all, reported Gulf Times.
18th Asian Games 2018
Qatar 28 – 23 Saudi Arabia
Men's Main Group 1
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The Saudi Arabians started the match strongly, taking a 7-4 lead after 11 minutes and making it 9-7 after 15 minutes.
Rafael Capote, who scored six goals for Qatar, was the country’s hero in the game. He was followed by Yousef Ali and Anis Zouaoui, who bagged five goals apiece.
Congratulations @qatarhandball team on winning the match in the main round against KSA #IamQatar #AsianGames #AsianGames2018 #AsiaTogether @Qatarhandball @qatar_olympic pic.twitter.com/ea6dA0Tfdm
With yesterday’s win, Qatar topped the group with four points. Qatar had earlier defeated Iraq 26-20.
Qatar will next meet Japan in the final group match, reported The Peninsula.
Qatar sealed a convincing win over India in men’s volleyball at the Bulungan Sport Hall in South Jakarta. Qatar overcame the Indians in a thrilling three-setter — 25-15, 25-20, 25-20 — to secure top spot in their group.
Qatar’s Hammad Mubarak, Renan Ribeiro and Ndir Sadikh, with their strong spikes, accounted for most of the points. Mubarak, along with Belal Abunabot also blocked a number of shots.
Qatar had defeated Maldives in a similar manner on Monday and the two wins have earned them six points at the top of the table. Qatar will meet Hong Kong in their final Pool F match tomorrow.
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