(MENAFN - The Peninsula) By Rizwan Rehmat | The Peninsula

KUWAIT CITY: Defending champions Qatar yesterday eased past Yemen 4-0 to launch their Gulf Cup title defense with a sublime performance.

Playing an attacking brand of football from the first kick, Qatar knocked the stuffing out of Yemen with three goals inside the first 18 minutes to lay firm foundations for their resounding win.

Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar scored three goals in quick succession as Akram Afif (2), Mehdi Ali Mukhtar (5) and Almoaz Ali (18) stunned the backline of Yemen in the Group B encounter.

Pedro Miguel scored the fourth goal in the second half (84) to complete Qatar's convincing win at the Kuwait Sports Club Stadium where chilly playing conditions prevailed throughout the match.

Qatar will take on Iraq in their second group game at the same venue on Tuesday while Yemen face Bahrain.

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