DOHA: Qatar on Friday posted their third successive win in
just six weeks when they beat Ecuador 4-3 in a high-scoring
thriller at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

A double by promising Almoez Ali (36 and 68) and a goal each
by Akram Afif (32) and Hassan Al Haydos (61, penalty) saw the
home team complete a convincing win at the packed venue under
lights.

Last month, Qatar beat China and Palestine in the other two
international friendlies.

Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar are playing a series of international
friendlies to prepare for next year’s AFC Asian Cup to be played
in the UAE.

Qatar’s win on Friday saw them overcome opponents who are ranked
27 places higher on the FIFA ranking computer.

The visitors, who have played in three World Cup Finals, scored
through Enner Valencia (66 and 71) and Jose Francisco Cevallos
(89th minute).

For the opening goal, Afif beat his marker in a deal ball situation
to send right footed try crashing into the nets following a free
kick from Haydos from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute.

The packed house at the Al Sadd Stadium saw Qatar add their second
four minutes later with an Ali thunderbolt from 40 yards out.

The powerful shot by Ali eluded the diving Ecuador keeper and ending
into the nets after brushing past the goal post.

Captain Haydos got his name on the scorers list as he sent the Ecuador
goalkeeper the wrong way with his deft placement from the penalty spot.

Ecuador’s Valencia scored the first of his two goals in the 66th minute.

Two minutes later, Qatar made it 4-1 as Ali’s right footed shot from the
centre of the box found it way to the back of the net.

In the 71st minute, Valencia added a second one to make it 4-2, raising
hopes of a fight back.

Cevallos struck the third goal for Ecuador as he finished a move started
by Robert Arboleda with a minute left for the final whistle.

Qatar take on Uzbekistan in another international friendly on October 16.
The match will be played in Tashkent.