Defending Champion Qatar Beats Lebanon 3-0 in Perfect Start for Asian Cup Host Nation

Defending Champion Qatar Beats Lebanon 3-0 in Perfect Start for Asian Cup Host Nation

Qatar began its defense of the Asian Cup in perfect style with a 3-0 win against Lebanon at Lusail Stadium on Friday.

As host of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar suffered three straight defeats and exited its own tournament at the earliest possible stage.

But hosting the Asian Cup for the third time, Qatar got off to an impressive start after two goals from Akram Afif and another from Almoez Ali secured victory in front of 82,490 fans, The Associated Press said.

"We are living today in a new day. Every day is the chance to compete and fight to hold the cup," Afif said after his starring performance in the stadium where Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup for Argentina just over a year ago.

He scored with clinical finishes at the end of each half, while Ali — the leading scorer when Qatar won the title in 2019 — also opened his account.

An injury to Ali in the second half was the only concern for Qatar coach Bartolome Marquez, but Afif proved how important he will be to his team's hopes of retaining the Asian Cup.

“Akram Afif is one of the best players in Asia and he can play in Europe also.