DOHA, Qatar — Uzbekistan scored twice in the second half to beat Qatar 2-0 in the opening match of the Asian Cup, dealing a setback to the hosts who had hoped a win would boost their lofty footballing aspirations.
Midfielder Odil Akhmedov gave the Uzbeks the lead in the 58th minute with a booming shot from 30 yards. The Uzbeks, ranked 109th in the FIFA world rankings, struck again in the 76th when an errant pass was intercepted by midfielder Server Djeparov, who scored from just outside the area.
For Qatar, the tournament is a first chance to prepare for hosting the 2022 World Cup, and the hosts had their chances. Midfielder Fabio Cesar's free kick hit the post just before halftime and then striker Hussain Yaser shot was cleared by Uzbek defender Sakhob Juraev.