Australia beat Qatar 3-0 with three first-half goals in Doha

Australia defeated Qatar 3-0 in Doha on Friday, November 13, with Riley McGree, Tete Yengi and Nestory Irankunda all scoring before half-time. The Socceroos' official match centre confirmed the result at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, where the visitors established their winning margin inside the opening 40 minutes of the international friendly.

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According to Football Australia's match report, McGree capitalised on an error by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada to score into an unguarded net. The fifth-minute opener was his second goal for Australia. The visitors continued creating opportunities, with Alessandro Circati drawing a save and McGree sending a volley over the bar.

Connor Metcalfe helped create both remaining goals. After intercepting a clearance, he supplied Tete Yengi, who finished into the bottom corner in the 32nd minute. Metcalfe then regained possession again and found Irankunda near the edge of the penalty area for Australia's third, recorded in the 40th minute.

The second half brought four Australian debuts: Eli Adams, Sam Klein, Kasey Bos and Diesel Herrington. Kusini Yengi also returned, replacing his brother Tete at the interval for his first international appearance since 2024. Gianni Stensness made his first appearance since 2022. Qatar did not register a shot until the 72nd minute.

Australia will remain in Doha for its next match, against Jordan on Tuesday, November 17. Football Australia separately announced that the two national associations had agreed to relocate that fixture from Amman. The agreement followed a meeting in the Jordanian capital between Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler and Jordan Football Association acting general secretary Farah Badarneh.

The venue change keeps both matches of Australia's November window in Qatar. In the announcement, coach Tony Popovic said securing two games had been the priority and that this would be the team's final camp for four months. Football Australia listed the specific Doha venue and kick-off time for the Jordan match as still to be confirmed. Kugeler thanked the Jordanian association for agreeing to the switch and acknowledged assistance from the Australian embassies and Qatar Football Association.