Hosts Qatar Ease Past Lebanon To Open AFC Asian Cup
Defending champions and hosts Qatar got their Asian Cup campaign off to a flying start with a 3-0 win over Lebanon in the tournament's opening game on Friday. Akram Afif rifled in a shot on the stroke of half-time to put the 2022 World Cup hosts ahead, before Almoez Ali doubled their lead after the break and Afif bagged a late third. Over 80,000 fans initially packed into the Lusail Stadium, where a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina beat France on penalties in the World Cup final 13 months ago.


