Mashable: Qatar finished the group stage with a perfect winning record

Holders Qatar are thriving in the ongoing Asian Cup 2023.

The Gulf nation that is hosting the Asian Cup 2023 tournament has topped Group A with nine points after their astonishing win against China on Monday, January 22, 2024.

The host country who previously stormed to the knock-out stage and became the first team to book their spot in the last 16 with their 1-0 win over Tajikistan, now has a perfect winning record.

On Monday, hosts Qatar stormed to the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with a 1-0 win over China from a spectacular volley from Hassan Al-Haydos.

The Khalifa International Stadium broke into cheers after the deadlock was broken midway through the second half in the 66th minute with the unforgettable strike from Al-Haydos who had just been introduced as a substitute.

Joining Qatar in the knockout stage is Tajikistan, who defeated last-place Lebanon 2-1 yesterday. Tajikistan takes second place in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 tournament with four points. Iraq has also reached the round of 16 after they defeated Japan.

This year’s AFC Asian Cup has been good for Qatar after they lost all three games on their home soil at the 2022 World Cup. The hosts have been perfect in the Asian Cup 2023, advancing to the round of 16 with their striking win in all three games.