Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: Head coach Felix Sanchez believes Qatar’s redoubtable spirit could prove crucial as they look to seal a spot in the knockout phase of the AFC U23 Championship China 2018.
With a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan already under their belt, Qatar go into Friday’s Group A clash against Oman knowing that a win would edge them closer to the quarter-finals – progress that, according to Sanchez, could well be aided and abetted by the unity his side are currently displaying in China PR.
“One of the main aspects of this group (of players) is that they work very hard and that they have a great team spirit,” the Spaniard explained.
“I hope this will make a difference here in China because the tournament is a short one, which means that every game is almost like a final. We know the next two games are going to be very important for us if we are to qualify for the next phase.”
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: Captain Zabikhillo Urinboev believes Uzbekistan can rectify their poor start to the AFC U23 Championship 2018 when they face China PR in the second round of Group A matches at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre on Friday.
The 22-year-old Pakhtakor striker was a star performer for his country during Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 loss to Qatar, a result that, combined with China’s 3-0 win over Oman, leaves the Central Asians currently occupying third place in Group A and needing a positive result against the host nation to realistically have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
“After the first matchday results, it is fair to say that we are in a difficult situation,” Uriboev told the-AFC.com.
“We are busy preparing for the match against China because they are undoubtedly a strong opponent. Nevertheless, we will, of course, try to improve the current situation in the next game.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: Talismanic midfielder Akram Afif has said that Qatar remain focussed on the task in hand despite a morale boosting 1-0 win over Uzbekistan on the opening day of the AFC U23 Championship 2018.
A well worked Almoez Ali strike gave Qatar a perfect start to their Group A campaign, but with a crunch game to come against regional rivals Oman on Friday, Afif is adamant that his side should not get carried away by their early success.
“Our team really did well, and it was important to win that game,” explained the 21-year-old who plays in Belgium for Eupen.
“Yes, we won the game and got the three points, but that doesn't mean that we have won (the tournament). It’s not enough, and right now we are only looking ahead to playing Oman.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: Midfield star Wei Shihao has revealed that wise half-time words from China PR head coach Massimiliano Maddaloni played a major role in the host nation’s 3-0 Group A win over Oman on the opening day of the AFC U23 Championship 2018.
Quickfire first half goals from Yang Liyu and Li Xiaoming saw table-topping China head into the break two goals to the good, a lead that Maddaloni was not about to let his young charges get carried away with.
“After the first half, [head coach] Maddaloni told us not to be too complacent,” declared the 22-year-old who has just joined Chinese Super League outfit Beijing Guoan.
“He said that we needed to keep [the momentum] up during the second half. We duly followed his instructions and we won the match.
“We played well and put in a great performance. I think everyone deserves 90 out of 100.”