(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
By Fawad Hussain I The Peninsula
Doha: Feared strikers Akram Afif and Almoez Ali scored two goals each as Asian champions Qatar thrashed Bangladesh 5-0 in a Group E clash of the joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifier at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Yesterday's emphatic victory consolidated Al Annabi's top position in the group with 16 points from 6 matches, with Oman - who have played a match less are in second spot with 12 points.
With Qatar making a return to international football after a year's break in the coronavirus-affected season, coach Felix Sanchez fielded a strong side against Bangladesh, while also handing Mohammed Waad his Qatar debut.
Midfielder Abdelaziz Hatem opened the home team's account in the 9th minute while reigning AFC Player of the year Afif scored his goals in 33rd and 90+2 minutes. The AFC 2019 Asian Cup's top scorer Almoez fired his first goal on a penalty in 72nd minute before completing his brace six minutes later. But, Almoez gave Qatar an injury scare as he was carted off soon after scoring his second goal.
Qatar were in complete control yesterday, enjoying 73 percent of ball possession in the match, which was attended by 1044 socially-distanced fans. But, the hosts also showed signs of lack of competitive match practice as they missed some easy chances.
Qatar took a total of 32 shots including 15 strikes on targets, making goalkeeper Anisur Rahman the most busy man from the visiting side. Bangladesh were not able to take a single shot on target.
As Qatar started aggressively, Ahmed Alaaeldin's touch hit the goal post in the 4th minute, but soon the Sanchez-coached side got the lead from Al Rayyan star Hatem, who shot past Rahman after receiving an angular pass from the 2019 AFC Player of the year Abdelkarim Hassan.
The hosts could have doubled the lead in 20th minute but Boualem Khouki headed the ball wide off a fine cross from a cross from Hatem. Five minutes later, Hassan had his first shot on target but Bangladesh goalkeeper faced little difficulty in blocking the ball. A few moments Hassan shot wide after being brilliantly set up by Afif.
Bangladesh earned their first corner in 29th minute after Afif raced to clear the ball from near the circle in first attack from the visitors. As clock reached past an half-hour mark, Rahman made a good safe from a fine touch by Afif, just giving away a corner.
But, soon after that Afif fired a clinical strike on the right corner from just outside the circle, making it impossible for the goalie to avoid the double deficit before half-time.
Soon after the second half begun, Bangladesh goalkeeper had to be treated after he collided with Almoez, who was trying to connect a rising ball from captain Hasan Al Haydos. Alaaeldin, onside, got a long ball inside the circle but he failed to beat the lone goalkeeper, missing a good opportunity.
Qatar continued to attack Bangladesh's goal and in one of those attacks Rahman made an acrobatic save from Almoez's header as clock crossed an hour-mark.
In his first two substitutions, Sanchez sent Abdullah Al Ahraq and Moyaed Hassan to replace Al Haydos and Alaaeldin.
Moyaed soon made his presence felt, winning a penalty for the hosts after being fouled by Biplu Ahmed. Almoez was on target on the penalty to extend Qatar's lead in 71st minute.
He struck again from a close range, with Hatim setting him up with a volley. But, in doing so Almoez suffered a thigh injury and had to be replaced with Youssef Abdurisag.
Just when Qatar looked settled for a 4-0 win, Afif scored his second goal with an assist from Al Ahraq as Al Annabi walked away with a comprehensive victory.
Being the hosts of FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar are automatic qualifiers for the global showpiece, but they will confirm their place at China 2023 as group winners, or as one of the four highest-ranked runners-up.
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