Qatar secured their spot in the knockout stage of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with a 1-0 victory against Tajikistan at Al-Bayt Stadium on Wednesday. This win, combined with China and Lebanon playing to a drab goalless draw, ensures Qatar’s place on top of Group A.
Tajikistan quickly took the initiative, with Rustam Soirov’s angled shot early in the game testing Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. Despite this, Qatar gradually asserted dominance, and in the 17th minute, Almoez Ali set up Akram Afif, who outpaced Vahdat Hanonov and delicately chipped the ball over Yatimov for his third goal of the tournament.
In the 33rd minute, Qatar believed they had earned a penalty after an incident involving Ali and Manuchehr Safarov, but a VAR check led to referee Hiroyuki Kimura awarding Tajikistan a free-kick.
Before half-time, Qatar had another opportunity as Yatimov spilled Afif’s shot, but Zoir Dzhuraboev’s impressive goal-line clearance denied Ali’s rebound.
Although Tajikistan had a chance early in the second half, Qatar survived the scare. The Maroons missed two chances just before the hour mark, with Ahmed Al Ganehi’s shot going over the bar and Ali being denied by Yatimov’s save.
Tajikistan’s hopes were dashed in the 81st minute when Amadoni Kamalov received a red card after a VAR review determined he had kicked out at Al Ganehi. Qatar now aims for their 10th consecutive AFC Asian Cup win against China, while Tajikistan must defeat Lebanon on Monday to have a chance of advancing.