AFC Asian Cup 2023: Tajikistan vs Qatar: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

A place in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 knockout stages is in sight for the defending champions Qatar.

Tajikistan will take on reigning Asian champions and host Qatar in the upcoming Group A clash at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup on 17 January 2024 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. The Maroons enter the fixture as favourites to win and secure their place in the Round of 16 as group winners. 

Tajikistan played a gritty goalless draw in their opening game of the tournament against China. However, the level of competition against the mighty Qatar will be at a much higher level. While the game plan would be to catch the Maroons by surprise and cause an upset, it’s going to be difficult to halt the juggernaut that is the Qatar men’s football team which is determined to achieve success in their quest to defend their crown. 

The game is expected to be an entertaining one as Qatar would go all out to secure a knockout stage berth and rest key players for the final group game. Here is what to expect from their clash against Tajikistan in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group A fixture:

Kick-off

Wednesday, 17 January 2024, 5:00 PM IST (11:30 GMT) at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.

Form

Tajikistan (all competitions): W-D-W-W-D

Qatar (all competitions): W-W-W-L-W

Player to Watch

Ekhson Pandzh­shanbe (Tajikistan)

Tajikistan will hope that Ekhson Pandzh­shanbe can carry his form and sharpness from the game against China into the fixture against Qatar. The attacking winger took three shots on goal. His work ethic was marvellous as Pandzh­shanbe won all nine of his ground duels. He will be tasked with tracking back to help the defence and his industry will come in handy against Qatar out of possession.

Akram Afif (Qatar)

Akram Afif scored two fantastic goals against Lebanon in the opening game of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The attacking winger could have easily scored a hat-trick too on another day. He is bound to score more goals or provide scoring chances in the forthcoming matches thanks to his drive and hunger. His pace and directness caused a lot of problems to Lebanon and the same could be Tajikistan’s fate if their defenders allow him room to operate.

Match Facts

• Tajikistan are undefeated in their last five matches.
• Akram Afif has scored 27 goals for the Qatar national team.
• Hassan Al-Haydos, Qatar’s skipper, has 131 national caps, the most in the history of the country.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 4

Tajikistan wins – 0

Qatar wins – 3

Draws – 1

Predicted Line-ups

Tajikistan (4-2-3-1)

Yatimov (GK), Safarov, Khanonov, Dzhuraboev, Nazarov, Shukurov, Umarbaev, Kamolov, Dzhalilov, Pandzhshanbe, Soirov

Qatar (3-5-2)

Barsham (GK), Miguel, Ali, Mendes, Haydos, Fathi, Hatem, Waad, Abdurisag, Afif, Ali

Match Prediction for Tajikistan vs Qatar

Judging by the performances of both teams in their respective opening matches, Qatar look like a more cohesive and well-oiled unit than Tajikistan. They are the favourites to win this clash.

Prediction: Tajikistan 1-4 Qatar

Telecast

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

Tajikistan – Varzishtv

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

For worldwide broadcast information, click here.

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