International ends in draw at the Alexandra Stadium

A wonderful strike from substitute Karim Boudiaf cancelled out Stuart Dallas’ opening goal as Qatar came from behind to hold Northern Ireland to a 1-1 draw at the Alexandra Stadium. Just over 3,000 supporters attended the International friendly in South Cheshire with the Northern Ireland supporters making it a great atmosphere.

After a fairly even first period where neither goalkeeper was over exhausted both goals arrived in the second period. Dallas was in the right place at the right time to tap home a cross from Niall McGinn from the right hand side barely a minute after the restart - but the 2022 World Cup hosts improved after a flurry of substitutions and they deserved drew level with a stunning strike from Boudiaf. After a forceful run from Ahmed Yasser, he hit a superb shot into the top corner from 20 yards to give substitute goalkeeper Michael McGovern little hope of keeping it out.

Mohammed Muntari headed an effort onto the top of the netting and McGovern had to bravely save at the feet of Abdelkarim Hassan after a free-kick dropped to his feet inside the six yard box.

Manchester United’s Johnny Evans, who had replaced captain Aaron Hughes headed a Pat McCourt cross just wide late on as Northern Ireland aimed to find a late winner.