Qatar take on Afghanistan in World Cup qualifiers

Doha, Qatar: Qatar will be looking to continue to winning run and build some momentum for the Gulf Cup starting in Doha on November 26 when they take on Afghanistan in the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying round match in Tajikistan on Tuesday.

Asian champions Qatar started their campaign with a 6-0 thrashing of Afghanistan in September but since then have taken their foot off the pedal.

They were held to a goalless draw by India in the next match but Al Annabi resumed their normal service with victories against Bangladesh (2-0) and Oman (2-1).

Coach Felix Sanchez would be keen to make sure that they maintain their winning run but he will also be having an eye on the Gulf Cup where they are grouped with UAE, Iraq and Yemen.

Afghanistan, however, will not be easy opponents at the Dushanbe’s Republican Central Stadium, where they were unlucky to concede a last-minute goal to India for a 1-1 draw.

The cold conditions will definitely suit the Afghans more but Qatar have too much quality.

Akram Afif – one of the chief architects of Qatar's Asian Cup success – comes into the fixture fresh from being nominated for AFC Men’s Player of the Year, while Al Duhail forward Almoez Ali has already bagged four Asian Qualifiers goals in this campaign.

Qatar lead Group E with 10 points from four matches with Oman second on nine. Afghanistan are third with four points while India are on three. Bangladesh have just one point.

In the other match in the group on Thursday, Oman play India.