Riyadh (South24)

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The Yemeni national team crowned the West Asian Football Federation Championship for Juniors, by defeating its Saudi host 4-3 on penalties in the final match that took place at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium, in Dammam, on Monday.

The match ended with a 1-1 draw, as Mohammad Al-Barwani advanced with a goal for Yemen in the 46th minute, but Mohammad Al-Issa scored for the Saudi team. After that, penalty kicks decided the result in favor of the Yemeni team, after the goalkeeper, Waddah Al-Radfani, managed to save the last ball.

The presence of the Yemeni crowed was remarkable in Prince Mohammad bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to cheer the Yemeni team.

Cities in South and North Yemen celebrated the team's victory.

Hundreds of people gathered in major squares and streets, firing shots into the air, to express their joy at this victory.

This is the first international championship won by the Yemeni junior national team in its history.

After the victory, the European Union and the ambassadors of the United States, Britain, China and Saudi Arabia congratulated the Yemeni team on this victory.

The UN envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg expressed his happiness to see the joy prevailing in the country.

The Yemeni Prime Minister announced his support for the national team with 300 million YER.

This is the first event for the people in South and North to rejoice, and for a moment overcome the tragedy caused by the bloody war in Yemen since seven years.

The performance of the junior team, led by Adeni coach, Qais Mohammad Saleh, emerged after the efforts he made in training and qualifying players during the past three months.

It should be noted that most of the junior' team players belong to the ancient local Aden clubs, such as "Wahdat Aden Club" and "Al-Tilal" Sports Club. 

Previously, Aden clubs were subjected to sanctions imposed by the Yemen Football Association, for political reasons.

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South24 Center, agencies
Photo: During the coronation of the Yemeni junior national team in Saudi Arabia, 13 Dec, 2021 (Twitter)