UAE football team book ticket to London Olympics

The UAE under-23 football team made history Wednesday by qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics, their first appearance, after rallying from a two-goal deficit to beat hosts Uzbekistan 3-2 at the JAR Stadium here.

Coach Mahdi Ali was ecstatic after the victory. "I'm really proud of this achievement — it is the wish of every Emirati to reach London, especially as this is the first time for us," he said after the game.

"This game was for history and these guys, this team, the staff, administrators and federation. This was to write history for the UAE and I'm really, really happy and proud of that."

Uzbekistan looked to be on their way to qualification when they took the lead through midfielder Oleg Zoteev in the 34th minute and Fozil Musaev made it 2-0 shortly after half time.

UAE, however, fought back with two goals in four minutes from Ahmad Khalil, drawing his side level in the 55th, before substitute Saleh Haboosh scored the winner in stoppage time.

"I would like to thank Uzbekistan. They are a very good team," Ali said.