AsianCup2023 | Group A : Tajikistan 0 - 1 Qatar

...convincing 3-0 China, sharing the spoil. Tajikistan would secure their place in the next round of the competition with a game in hand. Keita Shegat's side remain unchanged as the same 11 that were held to a goalless draw against China four days ago take to the field again today. Matchday with Ismail Mohamed, Mostafa Tarek, Yassin Gaber, Basil Orani and Tarek Salman coming into the starting 11. 14th minute of the game. First chance of the game as well and it fell to Tajikistan. Meshal Barshan called into action, but there to deny Rustam Soidov the opening goal of the game. Just four minutes later, it was back the other way. Here's a cut-up, creating their first opportunity. Lovely through ball as well. Almuwez Ali with the vision. Outside of the right boot, perfectly threading it through and into the path of a fiefd who scores his third goal of the competition and scores it in style as well. Fast forward now to the 43rd minute. The fief with the shots, falls to Almuwez Ali and what a block on the line there. Djuradov sensing the danger and comes sneaking in behind his goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov to make a sensational block and keep the scoreline just 1-0. Into stoppage time of the first half now. Qatar looking for a second and nearly scoring from range there. Hammers it towards that top right corner. It was always on the rise, 1-0. The half-time score into the second and Qatar nearly handing Tajikistan away back into the gap. Meshal Jalilov nearly taking full advantage of the situation. A heavy touch means he can't get the shot off in the end as it bobbles over the line for a 57th minute. Chance for Qatar to score a second again. And again a fief combining with Almuwez Ali playing it through to his partner in attack. Again not offside, a good save by Rustam Yatimov to keep him out. 62nd minute, Tajikistan putting together a courageous performance. They kept on trying, Jalilov again with the effort. Simple save though for Basham Eidol. Then, this incident here. Amadouli Kamalov brought down and then lashes out with the right foot. Showing a yellow card initially. Hiroyuki Kimura asks to come and take a look. And after review he replaced that yellow card with a straight red. Tajikistan down to 10 men with what minutes and some change still to go. Go down and they play on as well. And a good shot. And a well played unfolded mark for Qatar. A really great chance as well. The fief really sealed the deal there. Initially plays it out wide. Bassamo Rawi with the cross back inside. Put the header straight down the middle and into the hands of Yatimov. It wouldn't matter though as Qatar keep their title defense on track and qualify for the next round of the competition with top spots in the group now guaranteed. Tajikistan aren't down and out just yet and can still qualify themselves if they can beat Lebanon and Qatar beat China in the final day of action in Group A.