Yemen downs Singapore in 2012 Olympic qualifier

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)—Yemen has beaten Singapore 2-0 in a 2012 Olympic football qualifier that was relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to political unrest in the Middle East country.

This month, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation chose Al Ain as a neutral venue after deciding Yemen capital Sanaa was unsafe due to the bloody anti-government protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The move came after the two-leg tie was twice delayed.

Yemen dominated at Khalifa Stadium, with striker Aiman Saleh Abdullah al-Hagri opening the scoring in the 38th minute. Striker Mohammed al-Khadher Ahmed al-Ambari put the game out of reach with a goal in the 50th.

The second leg will be on Monday at Khalifa Stadium.