Qatar's players pose for a group photograph before the start of the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group A football match between Tajikistan and Qatar at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha on January 17, 2024. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Marquez Lopez was proud that defending champions Qatar became the first team to seal their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, saying the Maroons’ ability to cope with pressure was the reason behind their 1-0 win over Tajikistan on Wednesday.
Spaniard Lopez made five changes to the team that beat Lebanon 3-0 in the opening game, but Qatar were still too strong for Tajikistan as they confirmed the Group A top spot with a match to spare.
“I’m very pleased to qualify after two matches,” said Lopez. “It was a difficult game but we always knew that was going to happen because Tajikistan are a tough team.
“We have 26 players and I decided to make some changes in order to give more energy to the team but the style remains the same.”
“Every match is difficult because we are at the Asian Cup. The opponents started with high pressure but we handled that well. We controlled the match well and we achieved the victory.
“Of course we have won and qualified to the Round of 16, but we still have one more match against China (PR). Maybe we will make more changes but the aim will always be to win, then we will see who we will meet.”
Marquez Lopez
Akram Afif once again showed his quality, netting the decisive goal to stretch Qatar’s winning run at the AFC Asian Cup to nine matches, with the Al Sadd SC forward now having scored or assisted in his last five consecutive games at the continental showpiece, the first player to do so since Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al Qahtani in 2007.
Afif’s connection with the Qatar head coach was first developed at Belgian club side K.A.S Eupen, where he went on loan in 2015 with Lopez being the manager at that time.
“To play behind the striker, this position he trained me six years ago so the instructions he gave me, I already knew from back then, so I’m happy to play for him,” said Afif, who also scored a brace against Lebanon.
“Almoez (Ali) is one of my best friends. We understand each other very well. We’ve been together for a long time, we know each other. By just a look, we understand each other’s movements. We hope the best is still yet to come.”
