Qatar showcase strong performance under the guidance of coach Tintin Marquez
The defending champions and hosts Qatar secured their spot in the Asian Cup last 16 by defeating debutants Tajikistan 1-0 on Wednesday.
The win, coupled with China’s earlier 0-0 draw against Lebanon, ensured Qatar’s progression as Group A winners.
The dynamic forward Akram Afif, who previously scored twice in Qatar’s 3-0 victory over Lebanon, netted the decisive goal early in the first half, delighting the 55,000-strong crowd with another clinical finish.
Tajikistan concluded the match with 10 players as Amadoni Kamolov received a red card for kicking out at Ahmed Al-Ganehi’s face, marking the first dismissal of the tournament.
The match saw Tajikistan make a positive start, with Rustam Soirov testing Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham early on. However, Afif’s 17th-minute goal shifted the momentum in Qatar’s favour, though they missed further opportunities to increase their lead in the first half.
The turning point came in the 81st minute, when Kamolov was sent off for kicking Ganehi during a challenge.
