Qatar Fall to Kyrgyzstan in World Cup Qualifiers

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March 25, 2025
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25-March-2025

Qatar Fall to Kyrgyzstan in World Cup Qualifiers

Bishkek: Qatar’s national football team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Kyrgyzstan in their eighth match of the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, held at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.

The tournament’s third round features Group A competition, with the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Lucas Mendes scored Qatar’s only goal in the 52nd minute, while Valerii Kichin, Alexander Mischenko, and Alymardon Shukurov netted for Kyrgyzstan in the 45+1, 82nd, and 90+3 minutes respectively.

With this result, Qatar remain fourth in the group standings with 10 points, while Kyrgyzstan moved up to fifth with 6 points.

The hosts started the match with high intensity, pressing Qatar’s defense early. Kyrgyz forward Arbol Atayev had a strong shot saved by goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham in the second minute.

Qatar gradually took control of possession. In the 10th minute, Murad Naji made a deep run down the right flank and delivered a dangerous cross that was intercepted by goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotaev. The pressure continued as Akram Afif set up Edmilson Junior in the 24th minute, but the Kyrgyz defense managed to shut down the chance. Moments later, Almoez Ali fired over the bar from a cross in the 27th.

Just before halftime, Kyrgyzstan regained momentum. Atayev struck the crossbar in the 43rd minute, and shortly after, a well-hit free kick from Valerii Kichin gave the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Qatar responded early in the second half, leveling the score in the 52nd minute through Lucas Mendes, who headed home an Akram Afif corner.

However, Qatar’s hopes were quickly dealt a blow when Lucas Mendes was sent off in the 55th minute, receiving a red card for a challenge on Atayev. Down to ten men, Qatar struggled to contain Kyrgyzstan’s renewed attacks.

In the 82nd minute, Alexander Mischenko fired a long-range effort past Barsham to restore Kyrgyzstan’s lead. In stoppage time, Alymardon Shukurov sealed the result with a solo run and a precise finish to make it 3-1, handing Kyrgyzstan a deserved win.