Doha, November 20 (QNA) - Qatar lost 0-2 to Ecuador in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium.

Enner Valencia put Ecuador in the lead in the 16th minute from the penalty spot before he struck again in the 31st minute.

Qatar will play their second group stage match against Senegal at 4 pm on Friday at Al Thumama Stadium. Also, Ecuador will face the Netherlands on Friday 7pm at Khalifa International Stadium.  

Qatari players started the game with high pressing tactics, but Ecuador's striker Valencia scored an early goal in the third minute to be chalked off as offside after consulting the VAR.

In the 16th minute, Italian referee Daniele Orsato awarded Ecuador a penalty kick when Valencia was tripped by goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb in a one-on-one from Michel Estrada's assist.

Depending on quick counter-attacks amid Qatari players' rush to score the equalizer, a cross from Angelo Preciado was headed in by Valencia in the 31st minute to double the guests' lead.

Spanish coach Felix Sanchez recalled Mohammed Muntari and Mohammed Waad instead of Almoez Ali and Hassan Al Haydos. Montari was about to score in the 86th minute but he shot over the bar.

This win put Ecuador atop Group A with three points.

Qatar will paly their second game against Senegal on Friday at Al Thumama Stadium, while Ecuador will face the Netherlands on the same day at Khalifa International Stadium.

(QNA)