Red-hot striker Almoez Ali wants Qatar to continue to reach new heights after they stormed into the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals for the first time in history with a 1-0 win against South Korea on Friday.
A searing 78th-minute strike from Abdelaziz Hatim ultimately secured the win for Felix Sanchez’s side, to eliminate the 2015 runners-up and make it five consecutive wins in the competition.
Ali, a breakout star in the UAE with seven goals in five matches, revealed his delight at the achievement, and said he wants his side to make further history in the competition, starting with Tuesday’s semi-final against host nation United Arab Emirates.
“We are proud of this,” said the Al Duhail forward. “We’ve got to thank the players for implementing all of the coach’s instructions.
“We hope not to stop at the semi-finals and continue beyond that.”
Seven goals in the group stage, including a stunning haul of four in Qatar’s 6-0 win against DPR Korea, means the 22-year-old is just one short of Ali Daei’s tournament record tally of eight, set when the UAE last hosted the AFC Asian Cup in 1996.
As a result, Ali’s matches have become keenly anticipated, but he says the exemplary performances of Qatar’s defensive unit, who are yet to concede a goal, are the key reason for the side’s success.
“It’s a great feeling but it’s thanks to the boys’ efforts,” he said. “They did not concede a single goal so I’ve got to score up front in order for them to feel comfortable at the back.”
The exploits of Ali and his teammates have the nation on the verge of a first major international final at senior level, but – with Qatar’s 2018 AFC U-23 Championship semi-final defeat perhaps fresh in his mind – the forward’s confidence is tempered by a sense of readiness.
“We are one of the best four teams in Asia at this very second, (but) we respect all teams and will be ready.”
Qatar’s Almoez Ali (right) in action during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final against South Korea in Abu Dhabi on Friday. (AFP)
