Sports
Hosts Qatar thrill fans with winning start at the AFC Asian Cup 2023
A little over a year since capturing the world’s attention in a memorable World Cup final, Qatar’s Lusail Stadium returned to the limelight as it hosted the opening match of the AFC Assian Cup 2023.
The regional tournament may not have the same ring to it as the World Cup, the players on the pitch may not evoke the same reactions as a certain Lionel Messi or a Kylian Mbappe, but there was no lack of passion as a major international football tournament returned to the country on Friday night.
A grand opening ceremony set the tone in the middle, a ring of colourful fireworks surrounded the golden mesh-like structure of the country’s biggest football venue and the home team came out of the opening match with a comfortable win over regional rivals Lebanon.
“It feels just like the World Cup to us,” Abdullah Sulaiti, an overjoyed Qatar fan, told Al Jazeera after Qatar’s 3-0 win in the Group A fixture that attracted more than 82,000 fans to the stadium.
“I’ve heard people say the ‘vibes’ are not the same as the World Cup but they need to step inside a stadium to feel the electric atmosphere.”
Indeed, before kickoff and up until the end of the first half, fans of both teams were making themselves heard with their singing and flag-waving. However, as soon as Qatar’s lead doubled 11 minutes into the second half, most of the crowd began making a beeline for the exit.
“We know our team has three points in the bag and we’ll back to support them in the next match,” Sara al-Malki, who watched the match with her three children, said while making her way to the exit.
A winning start for the Al Annabi (the Maroons) delighted the home fans who had been desperate for their team to show a glimpse of their title-winning run in 2019.
For Lebanon, and their fans who turned up in their thousands, it was a disappointing start to the tournament and one that leaves them clinging on to the hope that they can turn things around in their next two group games.
“I am not surprised at the result but perhaps the margin of it,” Abdul Rehman Fidawi told Al Jazeera after the match. “Some of these players work a day job and then put in a shift on the pitch for the team, so it’s not fair to judge them against a team that has a better quality of players and facilities,” he said.
Fidawi said it did not surprise him to see a large turnout of Lebanese supporters. “We may not have one of the best teams but we certainly have a huge presence in Qatar,” he added with a smile.
There was no lack of support for Palestine either.
It began as thousands of fans thronged the public transport, the streets leading up to the stadium and the venue itself in Palestinian colours.
Be it the black and white keffiyeh, a large flag draped across their backs, or smaller ones in their hands, football fans from across the region carried solidarity with the war-struck people of Palestine into the stadium.
“It means a lot to us when people put on such displays, especially the segment in the opening ceremony where acknowledged our identity – it showed the world that the Palestinians are not alone,” Dia Ebwini, a Qatar-based Palestinian, said.
Qatar’s captain Hassan al-Haydos, who was meant to take the oath as the representative of the host nation, passed on the honour to his Palestinian counterpart in a move that was welcomed by applause and chants in support of Palestine.
With the Palestinian team set to open their campaign in two day’s time against Iran, a bigger display of solidarity and show of emotions may still unfold at the Education City Stadium.
Until then, Qatar and its fans will bask in a moment that has been a year in the making – a win at the country’s iconic venue.
A monumental innings by Dulnith Sigera who put on a commanding opening stand with Sineth Veerarathne highlighted proceedings as Mahanama College posted 387 for nine declared and secured major honours in their annual Big Match against arch rivals DS Senanayake College at the SSC Ground on Sunday.
Resuming after DS Senanayake had posted 344 in their first innings, Mahanama built their reply around a superb 192-run opening partnership between Sigera and Veerarathne, laying a solid foundation for a dominant batting display.
Sigera emerged the chief architect of the innings with a magnificent 189, anchoring the batting for more than 70 overs in an innings that combined patience with aggression. Facing 209 deliveries, he struck ten fours and nine sixes in an entertaining knock before being run out, narrowly missing out on a double century.
At the other end, Veerarathne provided ideal support with a valuable 91, facing 135 balls and hitting seven boundaries and a six as the pair frustrated the DS bowling attack with the opening stand.
Mahanama continued to capitalise on the strong platform even after the opening breakthrough, with useful contributions from Chamika Heenatigala (30) and Sanul Weerarathne (28), enabling them to declare on 387 for nine in 87.4 overs and gain the upper hand in the traditional encounter.
For DS Senanayake, Oshadha Perera claimed three wickets for 63 runs, while Randisha Bandaranayake and Haamid Afdhal picked up two wickets apiece.
The drawn encounter was notable for three outstanding batting feats and an impressive six-wicket haul by left-arm spinner Chamika Heenatigala.
If seasoned campaigner Sigera stole the limelight for Mahanama on the final day, it was 14-year-old Miyuru Bandara who captured attention on day one with a composed century that helped DS Senanayake compile 344 in their first innings.
The young opener displayed maturity beyond his years, scoring a patient 100, while Randisha Bandaranayake (48) and Chanul Athale (47) made important contributions lower down the order.
Heenatigala was the standout bowler for Mahanama, bowling tirelessly to finish with impressive figures of six wickets for 100 runs in 41 overs.
In their second essay DS Senanayake reached 54 for one before the match ended in a draw, with Shevan Welgama unbeaten on 25 and Sithru Gunarathna not out on 14.
Championing youth potential and performance at the President’s Trophy Inter-School Knockout Final
Hayleys Mobility proudly served as the Official Automobile Partner for the President’s Trophy Inter-School Knockout Final, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association.
The thrilling encounter between Royal College, Colombo and Trinity College, Kandy, held at Sugathadasa Stadium, brought together some of Sri Lanka’s brightest young athletes in a remarkable display of skill, determination and sportsmanship during which Trinity College emerged victorious following an outstanding performance.
This partnership reflects Hayleys Mobility’s strategic focus on nurturing youth development at every stage, from grassroots participation to national-level competition. Through its support of schools rugby, the company contributes to instilling core values such as resilience, teamwork and ambition.
Commenting on the initiative, Roshani Dharmaratne, Executive Director of Hayleys Mobility Limited, stated:
”Sponsoring schools rugby is an important way for us to invest in the potential of Sri Lanka’s youth. From their first match to performing on a national stage, these athletes are on a journey of growth, determination, and achievement. Providing them with opportunities to excel is as important to us, and we are proud to energise them to perform at their best.”
Adding further perspective, Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, stated:
”Rugby is a game defined by intensity, strength, and forward momentum—qualities that reflect a mindset of progress and performance. As a brand, we are inspired by this same spirit: a drive to move with confidence, embrace challenges, and push boundaries. Supporting schools rugby allows us to stand alongside the next generation as they channel their energy and passion into excellence, both on and off the field.”
Rajieve Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Mobility, added:
”At Hayleys Mobility, we believe in empowering journeys, whether on the road or on the field. Supporting school rugby reflects our commitment to enabling the next generation to move forward with confidence, discipline and ambition.”
Roshani Dharmaratne, Executive Director of Hayleys Mobility greeting the finalists
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