Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the final three teams – DPR Korea, Philippines and Yemen – for sealing their spots at the biggest ever AFC Asian Cup.
After more than three years of captivating action, the final day of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Final Round Qualifiers culminated in an epic night of football with Philippines sealing their first-ever berth for the ultimate stage as well as Yemen, who have advanced for the first time since the country’s unification.
Philippines clinched their historic qualification after overcoming Tajikistan 2-1 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Tuesday to take pole position in Group F. The result also confirmed Yemen’s passage in the UAE with Abraham Mebratu's men benefiting from a superior head-to-head record over Tajikistan.
The West Asians, who participated as South Yemen in the 1976 edition, maintained their unbeaten record in Group F after defeating Nepal 2-1 at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Earlier in the day, DPR Korea secured their third consecutive appearance in the AFC Asian Cup after a convincing 2-0 home victory over Hong Kong to finish as runners-up in Group B behind Lebanon.