HONG KONG: Qatar yesterday overcame hosts Hong Kong 3-2 to go top of Group C following a hard-fought win at Mong Kok Stadium. The 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup joint qualifying match was a fiery contest from the word go.

Despite trailing 3-0 with 10 minutes to go Hong Kong almost completed a stunning comeback against but left themselves just too much to do after conceding three goals down.

Karim Boudiaf (22) Abdelkarim Hassan (62) and Mohammed Musa (84) scored the goals for Qatar who enjoyed a 3-0 cushion at one time.

However Bai He (87) and substitute Godfred Karikari (88) scored late goals to reduce the deficit.

The win delighted coach Daniel Carreno who said the team is moving in the right direction.

“I congratulate the players on a good performance” Carreno said after the match.

“The players put up a great fight. We managed to get the win we wanted. Getting those three points was crucial” the Uruguayan said.

“When we play other games every point matters. These three points have given us the group lead” he said.

“I noticed that the players were determined from the word go. They wanted the three points and that showed in their performance” Carreno added.

“I am pleased with the outcome as we scored three goals” Carreno remarked.

When asked about Hong Kong’s fight in the last six minutes of the match when they scored two goals” Carreno said: “The players lost a bit of focus. That’s why they allowed those goals.”

He added: “Overall we had a great game. We covered our bases well. It was an outstanding performance under pressure.”

Qatar’s Ali Sadaalah said: “I wanted to play the entire 90 minutes but I was benched so that I don’t pick up an injury.”

“It was a great game a great effort by all the players. We have been keen to play like this - where we dominate and score goals.”

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani President of Qatar Football Association (QFA) applauded the players following the victory.

Sheikh Hamad said the side looked motivated to do well.

“It was a key win for us and this puts us in a positive frame of mind ahead of our two games in October” he said yesterday after watching the game at Mong Kok Stadium.

“We are at the beginning of our qualifying campaign” said the QFA President.

“There are important matches to come. We have to continue to work hard” Sheikh Hamad added.

“When we play China and Maldives next month we must remain focused” he said.

“We are leading the group but we still face a difficult passage of play with key games in October and November” the QFA chief added.

“I thank God for these three points against Hong Kong. I congratulate the side” QFA President said.

“Away wins are tough so this victory has pleased our fans” he said.

“For us this match is history we turn our attention to our next opponents - China” he said.

Qatar now take on China on October 8 followed by a clash against Maldives on October 13. Both games will be played under lights at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Qatar last week scored 15 goals against hapless Bhutan in Doha.

THE PENINSULA