In the inaugural match of the Asian Cup, hosts Qatar commenced their campaign in style with a convincing 3-0 victory over Lebanon on Friday.
Akram Afif showcased his prowess by scoring on the stroke of half-time, propelling the 2022 World Cup hosts into the lead. Almoez Ali extended their advantage after the break, and Afif secured a late third goal.
Initially, over 80,000 spectators filled the Lusail Stadium, the venue where Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina triumphed over France in the World Cup final just 13 months ago. Despite Qatar’s win lacking the dramatic flair of that historic encounter, some fans left as early as half-time, resulting in noticeable empty seats by the final whistle.
Nonetheless, the victory marked a positive start for the defending champions, who clinched their first Asian Cup five years ago. Notably, the team underwent a recent coaching change, with Tintin Marquez taking over from Carlos Queiroz last month.
In 2019, Qatar astonished the football world by lifting the Asian Cup, defeating Japan in the final. However, their performance on home soil in the World Cup was disappointing, exiting the tournament in the first round after losing all three group stage matches.
Facing Lebanon, playing in only their third Asian Cup, Ali, the top scorer with nine goals and the Player of the Tournament in 2019, had an early goal disallowed after a VAR check ruled him offside. Afif, another standout from Qatar’s 2019 victory, came close with a header hitting the crossbar on the half-hour mark, but later found the net with a right-footed shot just before half-time.
Qatar hit their stride in the second half, securing their second goal in the 56th minute with a well-executed passing move leading to Ali heading past Lebanon’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Matar. The significant crowd began to disperse after Qatar’s second goal, missing Afif’s deft finish in the 96th minute, adding the final touch to an impressive individual performance.
Having previously defeated Lebanon in the opening game of the 2019 Asian Cup, Qatar’s next challenge is against Tajikistan on Wednesday, with China completing the teams in Group A. Saturday’s action kicks off with Australia facing India, followed by China playing Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan meeting Syria.
