Ayoub Al-Oui was the second surprise card that Qatar drew for the crucial qualifiers, alongside Abunada at goal. Both, in their own way, worked and have since continued to vindicate the bold decision.

The 2005-born right-back was recently crowned the best young player in the league and is confident in possession, with his nerves not getting in the way of driving forward when the moment calls. He has earned his minutes rather than simply being handed them and has played a crucial role in Al Gharafa’s Amir Cup defence. However, the youngster is likely to be part of the defensive rotation in the face of the existing defensive frailties that call for experience. But Al-Oui, at twenty, is the kind of problem a manager is usually glad to have.