DOHA: Lucas Mendes delivered a dramatic 3-2 victory for Qatar over Uzbekistan at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday, scoring deep in injury time to reignite Qatar's campaign in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26, as they vie for a spot in the FIFA World Cup Finals. Mendes struck 12 minutes into stoppage time, just after Uzbekistan seemed poised to secure a draw thanks to Abbosbek Fayzullaev, whose two headers had canceled out an impressive first-half brace from Almoez Ali for coach Carlos Lopez Marquez’s side. With this thrilling result, Qatar climbs to seven points from five matches, closing the gap to three points behind Uzbekistan, who sit in second place. Iran, now three points ahead of Uzbekistan, remains the group leader after their own 3-2 win against North Korea earlier in the day. AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif showcased his playmaking skills, assisting Ali's first goal in the 25th minute. With a perfect through ball on the break, Afif set Ali up to strike. Although Uzbek keeper Utkir Yusupov got a touch, Ali's shot had just enough power to cross the line. Ten minutes later, Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham made a crucial save to deny Fayzullaev, and Uzbekistan would soon regret the missed opportunity. Just four minutes before halftime, Afif and Ali combined again, with Afif’s curling free kick finding Ali at the six-yard box, leaving Yusupov stranded once more. Uzbekistan pressed for a response, with Azizbek Turgunboev nearly scoring right before halftime, only for Barsham to pull off a stunning save. The second half saw continued pressure from Uzbekistan, with Otabek Shukurov narrowly missing and Bibur Abdiholiqov hitting the post from long range. Afif had a golden chance to put the game out of reach in the 71st minute, but his weak shot was saved by Yusupov. Uzbekistan then capitalized in the 75th minute, as an unmarked Fayzullaev halved the deficit with a powerful header off a cross from Khojiakbar Alijonov, setting up a tense final stretch.