Valencia opened the scoring for Ecuador from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after he was brought down by Qatar’s goalkeeper
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ecuador began their 2022 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over tournament hosts, Qatar, in a match played at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday evening.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Enner Valencia was adjudged to have been brought down by the goalkeeper in the penalty box
He stepped up and sent Saad Al Sheeb in the Qatar goal the wrong way to make it 1-0 to La Tricolor.
Ecuador doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when Enner Valencia met a sumptuous cross from Angelo Preciado with a sublime header to score his brace.
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Qatar didn’t offer much attacking threat all through the encounter as they did not trouble Ecuador’s backline and goalkeeper.
Star men Almoez Ali and captain Hassan al-Haydos were both substituted with 20 minutes remaining, and the home side were unable to muster a shot on target.
With the win, Ecuador ensured another clean sheet and topped Group A with Senegal and Holland expected to face each other in the second match of the group on Monday, November 21.
The hosts next play African Champions, Senegal, in the second group game on Friday, November 25, while Ecuador will face Holland on the same day.