Qatar’s Sami Ullah (right) and Muhammad Abubaker of Azerbaijan vie for the ball during their World Hockey League match at Al Rayyan Sports Club yesterday. Azerbaijan won 5-4.
Doha: Hosts Qatar went down fighting to formidable Azerbaijan 5-4 in their opening match of the World Hockey League (FIHWHL), at the Al Rayyan Stadium here yesterday.
In a match marred by a few umpiring decisions, Noor Hafiq converted three penalty corners (21st, 51st, 54th) for the hosts and Sheraz Ali netted the other (57th) through a stunning solo effort.
For the visitors, Gazanfar Ali did the star turn by scoring three goals (40th, 43rd and 65th) including the all-important winner, while skipper Balamiyev converted from the spot twice (28th, 49th).
Both the penalties were contentious decisions and the hosts were clearly upset.
Earlier, Sri Lanka thrashed Turkey 6-2 in the first match of the League.
Dammika Ranasinghe scored in the 33rd and 59th minute. Mohomad Mulaffer, Pushpakumara Dharmarathne, Dammika Abeyrathne and Anju Hewage scored one goal each.
Onur Acikgoz and Orhun Ozel scored consolation goals for Turkey.
Only one team will qualify for Round 2 from the Qatar leg of the FIHWHL, organised by the International Hockey Federation. The tournament will be held over two years.
The Peninsula
