Doha, September 10 (QNA) - The Qatari U-23 football team has qualified for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup finals for the sixth time in its history, after defeating Bahrain (2–1) in their match on Tuesday at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in the third round of Group H matches.

Qatar's goals were scored by Al Hashmi Al Hussain and Jassem Al Sharshani in the 90+1 and 90+9 minutes, while Bahrain's Abdulrahman Al Khayyat netted his team's goal in the 70th minute.

With this third consecutive win, the Qatari team (AKA "Al Annabi") topped the group standings with nine points, while Bahrain remained on three points.

In the same group, India claimed its second win with a (6–0) victory over Brunei in a match played at Suheim bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar SC Stadium).

Qatar had earlier opened its campaign with a sweeping (13–0) win over Brunei, before edging India (2–1) in the second round.

Saudi Arabia will host the AFC U-23 Asian Cup for the first time in its history, from January 7 to 25, 2026.

The qualifiers featured 44 teams divided into 11 groups, with 15 qualifying for the finals: the group winners and the best four second-placed teams, alongside hosts Saudi Arabia.

Qatar's U-23 team has participated in five editions of the tournament, playing 22 matches in total, with 11 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses. Their best achievements include third place and a bronze medal in 2018, and a fourth-place finish in 2016. (QNA)