Tajikistan Stuns Lebanon, China Struggles in AFC Asian Cup Group A
By AFP, Doha
In a dramatic turn of events, debutants Tajikistan secured a 2-1 victory over Lebanon in the AFC Asian Cup, advancing to the knockout rounds on January 22. Meanwhile, China’s hopes for progress are now uncertain after a defeat to Qatar.
The thrilling conclusion of Group A saw host and title holder Qatar secure a spot in the last 16, leaving China, Lebanon, and Tajikistan to battle for advancement. The top two from each group qualify automatically, and Tajikistan is set to move on as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Under the leadership of their coach Petar Segrt, Tajikistan has become one of the revelations of the tournament, expressing their aspirations for continued success. On the other hand, China’s struggles to score during their matches leave their fate uncertain.
The AFC Asian Cup has provided plenty of suspense and drama, capturing the intrigue of football fans around the world. As the competition continues, teams will battle it out to secure their spots in the knockout rounds.
