Aspire Academy’s heroic fightback ends in heartbreak

Doha, Qatar: Aspire Academy boys fought heroically before going down to AS Roma in penalties in the Al Kass International Cup Under-17 football tournament at Aspire Grounds in Doha on Wednesday.

Aspire boys were down two goals at half-time but Mekki Tombari scored a brace, including a stunning volley, to bring them right back into the game.

However, the game ended in heartbreak for Tombari as his penalty in the shootout was saved by Roma goalkeeper, who was in fine form.

While Aspire missed two of their first three kicks Roma converted their first four kicks for a 4-1 victory.

Earlier, Roma raised to a 2-0 lead in the first half which they dominated. Nicola Zalewski put them ahead in the 40th minute, while Mory Bamba scored a second two minutes later, blasting home from the acutest of angles.

Roma will take on Rangers FC in the final after the Scottish side thrashed Kashiwa Reysol 5-1.

After Arron Lyall too advantage of an unfortunate defensive lapse from Kashiwa to put Rangers ahead, Kai Kennedy struck twice while Nathan Young Coombes and Alexander Lowry also found the target for the winners.

Hidetaka Maie scored for the Japanese with a stunning long-range shot.