The lanky defender played an integral part as Qatar ended the tournament with a medal and he could not hide his joy
Ghanaian born defender Mohammed Muntari who currently plays international football for Qatar has expressed his delight after helping the Gulf country to win Bronze medal at the 2021 Fifa Arab Cup on Saturday.
After having an incredible tournament as hosts, Qatar were defeated by Algeria in the semifinals and had to face Egypt in the third-place game.
The two countries failed to score within regulation time and also in extra time. However, it was Qatar that had the last laugh as they won 5-4 during penalty shootouts and Muntari believes it was a great feeling for him.
“Everyone was aiming for the ultimate but winning a bronze is equally good,” Muntari said after the game.
“I believe this will urge us on in future and hopefully we can do something bigger as hosts of the World Cup next year,” he added.
Muntari, who was born and raised in Ghana, began his career as a footballer with Golden Lions Soccer Academy, a club owned by former Ghana and Anderlecht star Nii Odartey Lamptey.
After a wonderful run of performance in the lower tier, Muntari was snapped by El Jaish in 2012 and later joined Lekhwiya in a five-year deal in 2015.
He made his international debut for Qatar on December 27, 2014 in an international friendly against Estonia. Interestingly, he netted his debut goal for his new found country and has gone on to become an integral part of the country’s squad.
Qatar will be hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup and Muntari is expected to be a star performer during the games.