“It was a great effort by the whole team, the entire team. Everything went according to our plan. They made some adjustments on set-pieces, especially on corners, but we didn’t deviate from our strategy. 

“We adapted and our opponents couldn’t break through successfully. I don’t think we need to talk about the strength of the opponent as our guys were better today, “ said Lisitsyn.

It was a victory well deserved as Kyrgyz Republic outthought and outfought two-time AFC Asian Cup winners Qatar, with Valeriy Kichin giving them the lead just before the break.

Lucas Mendes - who was sent off shortly after - cancelled out the advantage seven minutes into the second half but Kyrgyz Republic were not to be denied a famous win, with Aleksandr Mishchenko and Alimardon Shukurov striking late to take them to six points, four behind Qatar who occupy the final playoff spot. 

Kyrgyz Republic’s final two matches in June are against DPR Korea and Islamic Republic of Iran. 

With automatic qualification out of reach, Qatar head coach Luis Garcia said the focus now will be on advancing to the playoffs. 

"We're certainly unhappy with this result, because we knew how we were supposed to play, but in the end, the small details made the difference. The red card also affected us, as it came at a time when we could have scored and taken the lead.

“We must continue fighting and try to qualify for the World Cup. We must focus on the last two matches where we'll try to secure our place in the playoffs and then we'll see what happens in the future,” said Garcia. 

They will have to contend with two tough opponents in June, with Iran and Uzbekistan their opponents.