Qatar overcome fighting Bhutan, cold weather for 3-0 win

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Tuesday, November 17th 2015 06:01 PM

BHUTAN: Powered by two goals from captain Hassan Al Haydos, Qatar on Tuesday crushed hosts Bhutan 3-0 to remain unbeaten in six consecutive qualifying matches. Al Haydos fired a goal in each half (36 and 90 + 1) while Mohammed Muntari scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute as Qatar posted their sixth consecutive win in their 2019 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup joint qualifying match campaign. Playing in extremely cold conditions, Qatar clearly dominated play on the artificial turf at Changlimithang Stadium. After a period of heavy Qatari pressure in the first half, it’s the visitors who took the lead in convincing fashion. Akram Afif swung in a cross from the left flank and despite Muntari missing the chance at the first attempt, the striker flicked an effort skilfully at goal as the Bhutanese defence failed to clear the ball. After consistent attacks, Qatar doubled their lead with a clinical finish in the 36th minute. Al Haydos got the ball out of his feet on the edge of the Bhutanese penalty area and slammed a right-footed shot past Gurung. In the first half, Qatar created most of the opportunities and, despite being backed by a boisterous Thimphu crowd, the hosts failed to create a meaningful chance of their own. They defended stoutly though with keeper Jigme Tshering Dorjee pulling off a number of outstanding tackles.