After a disastrous World Cup on home soil in 2022, Qatar took a first step on the road to redemption with a straightforward 3-0 victory over Lebanon in the first match of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Champions in 2019, when they dominated a continental competition like no side before or since, they were indebted to goals from two of their experienced stalwarts for their strong start. Akram Afif, Asian Footballer of the Year in 2019, opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, and Almoez Ali – top scorer with 9 goals in the last tournament – added a second 11 minutes into the second half. In the sixth minute of added-on time, Afif slalomed through the Lebanese defensive for a delightful second, but by then, the points were already safely in the bag.
Lebanon were a sporadic threat on the counterattack, with Meshaal Barsham forced to make a couple of smart reaction saves, but Qatar dominated possession and were worthy winners in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the Lusail Stadium.
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“They play pragmatic football but we’re not going to sit back at the edge of our box” Igor Stimac in the prematch press conference ahead of the #INDvAUS
Our reporters @Rahul_01Giri @Swapnil_0114 and veteran fan Om Mundra discuss the pointers from @stimac_igor‘s matchday minus 1… pic.twitter.com/wijRc2G6mw
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) January 12, 2024
Having had an early Almoez strike chalked off for offside, Qatar were frustrated for long periods in the first half. They hogged the ball, but the decisive pass or precise finish never came. It was no surprise then that it was Afif, a superb technician, that broke the deadlock. A strong header on the edge of the box found Almoez, whose cushioned touch set up Afif for a delightful side-footed finish to the goalkeeper’s left.
The second goal came from Hassan Al-Haydos, the captain, spreading the ball wide to the left flank. From there, Mohammed Waad sent in a superb cross. Almoez, who else, had ghosted into space between the central defenders and his glancing header gave Mostafa Matar no chance.
Almoez, Al-Haydos and Waad were among those sent to the bench soon after, with Qatar very much consious of the tight schedule and greater challenges ahead. After AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Chaaban had squandered a couple of great chances for Lebanon, there was still time for Afif to pick up a botched clearance, accelerate past the defenders and clip a beautiful finish over Matar – a goal celebrated with a climb into the stands.
Tintín Márquez has only been with the Qataris since December, after Carlos Queiroz’s contract was terminated by mutual consent, but having spent five seasons with Al-Wakrah in the Qatat Stars League, these players aren’t strangers for him. On this evidence, Qatar’s defence of the Asian Cup looks likely to be significantly better than their lame-duck World Cup exit.
Also Read: Iran’s Stalwarts, Japan’s First Scouser and the Argentina Slayer – Asian Cup Stars to Watch