Qatar strikers Almoez Ali (right) and Akram Afif holding jerseys to mark their 100th international-match milestones along with Qatar Football Association President Jassim Rashid Al Buenain and Qatar head coach Carlos Queiroz besides teammates.
Striker Almoez Ali struck a magnificent super hat-trick as Qatar kicked off their joint FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign on a flying note, thrashing Afghanistan 8-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday.
The 2019 AFC Asian Cup golden boot winner scored goals in the 15, 26, 33 (penalty) and 45+3 (penalty) minutes to steer Al Annabi to big victory wowing the home fans.
Almoez Ali
Hassan Al Haydos (11th minute), Mostafa Meshaal (18 minute), Ahmed Alaaeldin (53 - penalty) and Tameem Al Abdullah (90+9) were the other scorers for the dominant home side.
Anwar Sharifi, who found target in the 13th minute, was the lone scorer for the visitors.
The victory put the reigning Asian champions at the top of the Group A which also includes India and Kuwait.
In a one-sided encounter, Qatar wasted no time in making their intentions clear as captain Al Haydos opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match.
Afghanistan, however, quickly replied through Sharifi, who picked up a pass from Mustafa Azadzoy and directed into the net.
However, it was the only time Afghan players managed to beat Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham.
Qatar responded swiftly with Almoez scoring his first goal of the match after partnering with Homam Al Amin, who delivered a precise cross from deep. It was Al Duhail star’s 43rd international goal as he surpassed Mansoor Muftah’s tally to become Qatar’s all-time top scorer in his 100th appearance.
Al Amin played a role in Qatar’s third goal too. In the 18th minute, he sent a low cross for Meshaal who extended Qatar’s lead to 3-1.
Qatar players celebrate a goal against Afghanistan during the joint FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying game at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday.
Before the half-hour mark, Al Amin completed a hat-trick of assists by setting up Qatar’s fourth goal as Almoez made it 4-1 in his team’s favour.
The striker completed his treble in the 32nd minute from the penalty spot after Afif was fouled inside the box.
He then secured his fourth goal of the night, converting another penalty to give Qatar a commanding 6-1 lead Just before halftime.
Two more goals were added to hosts’ account when Alaeldin calmly dispatched a penalty, before Abdullah, who had replaced Almoez, closed the deal to secure Qatar a dominant 8-1 win.
Qatar will now fly to Bhubaneswar to meet hosts India in their second match in Qualifiers on November 21.
“It will be a massive game vs India. We start tomorrow to prepare. We need to be at our best to defeat them,” said Qatar head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Almoez said: “India will be a stubborn opponent and they’ve improved a lot. It will be tough playing in front of their fans.”
