Host country Qatar qualified for the round of 16 of the Asian Nations Cup on Wednesday by beating Tajikistan (1-0) in Al-Khor.
The other meeting in the group resulted in a 0-0 draw between China (2nd) and Lebanon (4th), which allowed the Qataris to finish at the top of group A and therefore already see the continuation of the competition after this second victory in as many matches. The reigning champions were able to count on a goal from Akram Afif (17th), already a double scorer against Lebanon in the opening match (3-0), to achieve their success, the ninth in a row in the Asian Cup .
More than 55,000 people gathered to watch the performance of “Tintin” Marquez’s men at the Al Bayt stadium, venue for the opening match of the last World Cup where the Qataris lost 2-0 against Ecuador.