Host Qatar started the Asian Cup with an easy victory. The defending champion defeated Lebanon 3-0 (1-0) in front of 82,490 fans at the Lusail Stadium on Friday (January 12, 2024), the goals were scored by old friends: both Akram Afif (45./90.+6) and Almoez Ali (56th) also scored in the 2019 final against Japan (3-1).
A good year after the home World Cup, Qatar was superior, but there was hardly any atmosphere in the 2022 final stadium. Afif caused great celebration, at least for a short time, with a well-placed low shot and brought back memories: four years ago he also scored the last goal of the Asian Championship. Ali, top scorer at the time with nine goals, and Afif again made everything clear.
Fans are leaving early again
Other opponents in Group A are China and Tajikistan. The two best teams in each group and the four best third-place teams reach the round of 16. At the 2022 World Cup in their own country, Qatar lost the opening game 2-0 against Ecuador. At that time, many fans left the stadium well before the final whistle – this time too, many supporters left early. At that time, Qatar was eliminated from the group stage without a point and with 1:7 goals.