China's Asian Cup hopes hanging by thread after Qatar defeat

Tajikistan beat Lebanon 2-1 in Group A's other game to leapfrog China into second place and reach the last 16. Hassan Al-Haydos's 66th-minute wonder goal gave Qatar a perfect three wins from three in Doha.

The result forces China - who failed to score in any of their three games - to wait and see if they qualify for the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides from the group stage.

Qatar coach Tintin Marquez made nine changes to his starting lineup after booking their place in the knockout rounds with two opening wins.

Forward Akram Afif, the competition's joint-top scorer on three goals, dropped to the bench along with striker Almoez Ali and goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. China began the tournament with two dour 0-0 draws against Tajikistan and Lebanon.