Boualem Khoukhi stunner helps Qatar hold Iceland
Eupen, Belgium: Qatar will head to the UAE for the Asian Cup in confident mood after yet another sparkling show saw Al Annabi hold Iceland 2-2 in a friendly at the Kehrwegstadion in Eupen, Belgium, on Monday.
Two long-range shots – an early Hassan Al Haydous freekick from the left that flummoxed the whole Iceland defense including their goalkeeper Runar Rúnarsson and a wickedly swerving long-ranger from Boualem Khoukhi – gave Qatar a share of the spoils which they richly deserved.
Iceland came back into the match after Al Haydous’ early strike through an own goal from Saad al Sheeb in the 30th minute and a 56th minute penalty from Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, but Khoukhi’s stunner in the 68th ensured Felix Sanchez’ boys would be in a perfect state of mind as they head for the Asian competition.
Qatar, who shocked Switzerland last Wednesday are in Group E of the January 5 to February 1 AFC Asian Cup, alongside Lebanon, North Korea and Saudi Arabia. Qatar open their campaign on January 9 against Lebanon.
