Rahim Ali scored a brace as India beat Al Ghara football club 3-1 in a friendly Under-19 encounter in Doha, Qatar on Monday. Ali scored goals in the 37th and 40th minute while Princeton netted the third in the 59th minute.
The visitors had a couple of missed opportunities with Abhishek Haldar and Ali missing out. India dominated the midfield thereafter, keeping possession for long spells, according to the report by the All India Football Federation. Ali finally broke through and found the net in the 37th minute.
However, the goal led to lapse on India’s part as Al Gharafa struck back the next minute to bring things level. But in a swift attack, Ali scored his second goal two minutes later to restore India’s lead right before half-time.
Ali was involved in the third goal as well once, combining with Princeton who finished in style in the 59th to seal India’s win.
India will now travel to Saudi Arabia to take part in the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers, where they will face the hosts on November 4.
