HONG KONG: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of Qatar Football Association (QFA), on Tuesday applauded the players after a feisty Qatar edged past Hong Kong 3-2 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game. Sheikh Hamad said the side looked motivated to do well. "It was a key win for us and this puts us in a positive frame of mind ahead of our two games in October," Sheikh Hamad said on Tuesday after watching the game at Mong Kok Stadium. "We are at the beginning of our qualifying campaign," he said. "There are important matches to come," he said. "We have to continue to work hard," Sheikh Hamad said. "When we play China and Maldives next month, we must remain focused," the QFA chief said. "We are leading the group but we still face a difficult passage of play with key games in October and November," the QFA chief added. "I thank God for these three points against Hong Kong. I congratulate the side," QFA President said. "Away wins are tough so this victory has pleased our fans," he said. "For us this match is history, we turn our attention to our next opponents - China," he said.