Doha: The Qatar U23s commenced their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a resounding 13-0 victory over Brunei Darussalam at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. The young Maroons were relentless from the outset, ensuring their opponents never had a chance to settle.

The offensive onslaught began immediately. Mustafa Sayed opened the scoring in the 4th minute, setting the tone for the match. Jassem Al-Sharshani doubled the lead just two minutes later, and Mubarak Shanan converted an 11th-minute penalty to make it three. Mohammed Siraj (13') and Hashemi Mohieddine (20') extended the advantage, before Sayed netted his second in the 22nd minute. Abdulaziz Hassan concluded the first-half demolition with a seventh goal in the 33rd minute.

The second half saw no drop in intensity. Sayed completed his hat-trick (53') and added a fourth goal (57'), while substitutes Noureddine Ibrahim (54', 90+4') and Marwan Bramil (67', 83') all found the net to complete the historic scoreline. The team's refusal to settle for their large halftime lead demonstrated a commendable professional attitude under coach Valeriu Tița.

In the other Group 8 match, India defeated Bahrain 2-0. With this result, the Qatar U23s top the group table with 3 points and a significant goal difference advantage over India. The group stage continues on Saturday when Brunei meets Bahrain and the Qatar U23s face India. The top finisher from each of the eleven groups will advance to the finals in Saudi Arabia, joined by the four best second-place teams.