Victories for UAE and Qatar in the friendly matches
Osaka: Several of the Continent's top teams took their next step towards the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with friendly matches on a busy night of action on Tuesday.
Qatar scored a resounding 3-0 win over Palestine at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha with Almoez Ali giving them a dream start with a third minute goal.
Qatar, who defeated China PR 1-0 in a friendly on Friday, doubled their lead in the 19th minute with Akram Afif slotting home.
The win was sealed in the 29th minute with Hassan Al-Haydos finding the back of the net.
The United Arab Emirates, aiming to win the AFC Asian Cup on home soil, ended their training camp in Catalonia, Spain with a 3-0 win over Laos.
(photo from @uaent2019
A brace by Ali Makbhout in the 24th and 26th minutes set the UAE on their way to a win at the Estadi Municipal Palamós Costa Brava.
The talismanic Omar Abdulrahman added a third in the 68th minute as the UAE's preparations for the Continent's premier football tournament continue serenely.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, let slip a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw with Bolivia at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.
The Green Falcons, playing their first match since the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, raced to the two-goal leads through efforts by Yehya Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari in the seventh and 11th minutes respectively.
Jhasmani Campos pulled one back for Bolivia in the 35th minute, giving his team hope going into the break.
The comeback was complete for Bolivia when Marcelo Martins Moreno struck from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.
Jordan and Oman, who are also bound for the AFC Asian Cup 2019, played to a 0-0 draw at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman.
