Tajikistan players celebrate victory over Lebanon
Hector Retamal
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First-timers Tajikistan scored two late goals to beat Lebanon 2-1 and book a place in Monday’s Asian Cup finals, but China’s hopes were dashed after losing to Qatar. .
It was a night of drama as Group A reached a thrilling conclusion full of twists and turns.
Host nation Qatar had already advanced to the last 16 as group winners, but China, Lebanon and Tajikistan were also battling to advance.
The top two teams in each of the six groups will automatically qualify, but they will also be joined by the top four teams in third place, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Tajikistan is one of the new developments in the tournament, led by colorful Croatian coach Petar Segurt.
“Trust me, I don’t care who comes,” the 57-year-old told beINSPORTS when asked who he would like to face next.
Chinese defender Tierce Browning lost his team 0-1.
Karim Jaafar
“This is a historic moment. Tomorrow I will be meeting with the president of our country.”
Qatar finished with 9 points, with Tajikistan 4, China 2, and Lebanon 1, and headed back home.
Tajikistan thought they had taken the lead just before half-time, but the referee ruled the goal invalid for offside.
Their misery worsened shortly after the restart when Bangkok United forward Bassel Jadi put Lebanon ahead with a stunning shot from the edge of the area.
However, Lebanon soon received a red card after a VAR check upgraded Qassem El-Zein’s yellow card for a stud-up challenge to a red card.
Parviz John Umarbayev, who had the man advantage, tied the score with a free kick in the 80th minute.
At this rate, Tajikistan would have taken the lead, but they pressed on and in the 16th minute of stoppage time, Nuridin Kamlokurov scored with a delicate header from behind.
In the other match, Qatar defeated an insensitive China 1-0. China now has to hope for a miracle – two points would be enough for one of the top four teams in third place.
Even if China were defeated, I wouldn’t be able to complain. China failed to score in any of the three matches, and were unable to win or draw against a much-transformed Qatari team that had already topped Group A.
Hassan Al-Haydos’ stunning 66th-minute goal gave the hosts and holders a perfect three-to-three victory in Doha.
During a corner kick, he picked up Haydos who was hiding on the edge of the box and volleyed it into the net.
China will regret several missed chances, especially in the first half, with Wei Shihao being profligate in front of goal.