Doha - Arab Today
Playing with flair not seen in recent times, hosts Qatar hammered Yemen 6-0 on the back of a hattrick by striker Khalfan Ibrahim in a 2015 Asian Cup qualifying match on Sunday. Striker Khalfan Ibrahim scored three goals (2, 61, 76) while forwards Hassan Al Haydos (23) and Sebastian Soria (70) provided the much-needed flair up front as Qatar picked up three points from the Group D encounter. Ali Afif curled in a direct free-kick in stoppage time for Qatar\'s sixth goal. Ibrahim opened the scoring through a penalty in just the second minute of the one-sided match. Ibrahim\'s strike was followed by Al Haydos\'s slick move from inside the Yemen box for Qatar\'s second goal. In the second half at the sparsely-crowded Al Gharafa Stadium, Ibrahim produced a snap-header after a lob from Soria for Qatar\'s third goal from close range in 61st minute. Nine minutes later, Soria hoodwinked his marker and produced a deft flick from close range for Qatar\'s fourth goal in the 70th minute. Not to be denied, Ibrahim picked up a pass from Al Haydos on the right flank and then charged ahead before beating Yemen goalkeeper for his third strike of the night in the 76th minute. These two teams meet again on November 15 (away game). Four days later on November 19, Qatar will take on hosts Malaysia. The 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification matches will determine the participating teams for the event to be held in Australia. A total of 16 teams will compete in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. Source: Qatar Olympic Committee