The defending champions, despite opting to rest many regulars, proved too good for Qatar as a 2-0 win on Tuesday saw them completing their Group B commitments with a perfect record of three victories.
Having already sealed qualification after Matchday Two, Japan could have easily lost focus but Nagano said all the players were determined to complete the group stage with a third win. .....
📋 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗦 | 🇯🇵 Japan 🆚 Qatar 🇶🇦
— #AFCU23 (@afcasiancup) January 13, 2026
Battle lines are drawn. 🇶🇦 Qatar set their sights on ending their campaign on a high facing off against the already-qualified reigning champions!#AFCU23 | #JPNvQAT pic.twitter.com/wTRnO6wK1B
>>READ MORE "AFC Official Site"

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