Reuters
Qatar’s Ali Afif eschewed the usual pre-match conventions ahead of a quarter-final clash against South Korea yesterday, boldly declaring his side would be taking the Asian Cup back to Doha to celebrate with their fans.
Qatar have shown impressive form in reaching the quarter-finals, winning four matches without conceding a goal and knocking out 2007 champions Iraq in the last 16.
Afif said getting past pre-tournament favourites South Korea and into the semi-finals of the continental championship for the first time today should not be the extent of their ambition.
“We know they are supporting us even they are not here,” the experienced midfielder said of the absent fans.
“We got messages from Doha that they are supporting us and will try to repay them with our unstinting efforts. The whole squad will do so and we will celebrate together and go back to Doha with the Cup.”