Saudi Arabia confirmed the final round of the AFC Under-16 Championship after thrashing United Arab Emirates 6-2 in the last qualifying match of group D at the Banglabandhu National Stadium on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia earlier beat Bangladesh 5-1 in their first match.
Arabian juvenile team dominated the rain-hit game, thanks to their attacking midfielder Alabdan Hamad’s hat-trick.
UAE took the lead in the fifth minute by an own goal of Al Malki before his team-mate Ali Al Shaikhi restored the parity for Saudi Arabia three minutes later.
Hamad put Saudi Arabia ahead in the 16th minute and Dhari Alanazi made it 3-1 three minutes later.
UAE captain Majid Rashid reduced the margin in the 48th minute through penalty but Saudi Arabia scored three more goals to complete the rout.
Hamad scored his second of the night in the 57th minute before defender Almas Naif Mousa scored the fifth goal three minutes later.
Hamad completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute with a fine strike.
The final round of AFC Under-16 football will be held in India form September 15 to October 2 next year.
-With New Age input
