Hosts and defending champions Qatar became the first team to secure a spot in the Asian Cup knockout rounds on Wednesday. However, China faces a challenging battle for qualification after consecutive 0-0 draws.
Qatar, still recovering from a disappointing performance at their home World Cup in 2022, made a bold move by replacing Carlos Queiroz with Tintin Marquez.
This gamble paid off as Qatar followed up their 3-0 win over Lebanon with a 1-0 victory against Asian Cup newcomers Tajikistan. Akram Afif, the dynamic forward, secured the win with a clinical finish in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Almoez Ali.
Tajikistan ended the game with 10 men as Amadoni Kamolov received a red card for kicking out at Ahmed Al-Ganehi’s face, marking the first dismissal of the competition. Qatar’s triumph secured their place as Group A winners with one game remaining.
The battle for the second qualifying spot in Group A is set to go down to the wire. China, despite two goalless draws, is in pole position with two points. Tajikistan and Lebanon each have one point. The final group matches on Monday will see Qatar facing China, while Tajikistan takes on Lebanon.
China’s coach, Aleksandar Jankovic, hopes to avoid an early exit and might benefit if Qatar decides to rest players. China faced another disappointment with a 0-0 draw against Lebanon, with Lebanon twice hitting China’s crossbar and the Chinese having an effort cleared off the line.
Jankovic emphasized the team’s positive mentality, excellent attitude, and determination, stating, “The road is still long and the target is the same — to play in the knockout stage.”
In other Asian Cup matches on Thursday, Syria will face Australia, India will play against Uzbekistan, and Palestine will take on the United Arab Emirates.
Reported By AFP
