Qatar score four goals unanswered in dominant win over Grenada

QATAR sealed their firstever Gold Cup victory with a resounding 4-0 result over Grenada during the second matchday in Group D at the BBVA Stadium on Saturday.

The defending AFC Asian Cup champions took the lead in the 11th minute as Abdelaziz Hatem had a right-footed finish in the opening goal of the encounter.

Left-back Abdelkarim Hassan assisted the play with a cross into the box that ended in Hatem getting past Grenada goalkeeper Jason Belfon.

From that point on, it was straightforward for Qatar. Forward Akram Afif scored his second goal of the tournament with a spectacular curler from outside the box in the 22nd minute of play.

Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s third goal in the 36th minute with a header at the near post during a corner kick opportunity.

Almoez Ali would get involved with the scoring after the halftime break to extend the lead for the tournament guests to 4-0.

The play came from a right-wing cross across the box from right-back Pedro Miguel. Ali came close to scoring again in the 58th minute but was denied by Grenadian defender Aaron Pierre.

Grenada goalkeeper Jason Belfon came up with one of his 17 saves on the day in the 64th minute to deny Afif from getting a brace.

Miguel nearly had another assist on the day as he once again delivered a dangerous

ball across goal. Abdullah Al-Ahrak connected with a

powerful shot but was denied by the post in the 82nd min

ute.

Miguel nearly got a goal of

his own just seconds later, but his attempt went just wide of the goal.

With this win, Qatar improved to four points heading into their final group match against Honduras. Grenada will depart Houston for Orlando and look for their first Gold Cup win or draw against Panama.

Scoreline: Qatar 4 (Abdulaziz Hatem 11’, Akram Afif 22’, Mohammed Muntari 36’, Almoez Ali 46’) bt Grenada 0.

Qatar’s Afram Afif celebrates scoring the second goal of the match against Grenada during their Group D encounter of CONCACAF Gold Cup at the BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Saturday.

(AFP) Grenada forward Benjamin Ettienne (left) and Qatar defender Abdelkarim Hassan vie for the ball during their CONCACAF Gold Cup match at BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Saturday.

Qatar’s Mohammed Muntari (left) and Abdelkarim Hassan are all smiles after the former scored the side’s third goal.

Almoez Ali after scoring the fourth goal.