Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Hong Kong: Karim Ansarifard was restored to his favoured centre forward’s role as the Islamic Republic of Iran made a winning start to their Asian Qualifiers campaign against Hong Kong, but the Team Melli star is prepared to maintain a flexible approach to ensure he retains his spot in Marc Wilmots’ star-studded side.
Ansarifard scored his side’s second in the 2-0 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying match win at Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday, doubling Iran’s lead following Sardar Azmoun’s opener in an impressive first competitive game under the former Belgium coach.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/marc_wilmots_-_iran_head_coach_2_2.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/hong_kong_v_iran-asian_qualifiers1.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It was another day of thrills and spills as Matchday Two of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 concluded on Tuesday.
There were winning starts for Australia, China PR, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and the United Arab Emirates while Saudi Arabia were held to a 2-2 draw by Yemen.
Bangladesh, the final team to open their campaign on Matchday 2, were edged 1-0 by Afghanistan.
The Asian Qualifiers action will resume on October 10 so make sure to stay with the-AFC.com for the latest.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Hong Kong: Sardar Azmoun and Karim Ansarifard scored a goal apiece as the Islamic Republic of Iran made a winning start to their Asian Qualifiers campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 with a 2-0 win over a resolute Hong Kong on Tuesday.
Azmoun gave Marc Wilmots’ side the lead in the 23rd minute and Ansarifard put the result beyond doubt for the Iranians nine minutes into the second half as the West Asians started life in Group C with all three points.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Phnom Penh: Kamil Al-Aswad’s 77th minute strike secured Bahrain a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cambodia in Group C of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 at the National Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
Cambodia and Bahrain were chasing their first win of their qualifying campaign, having settled for 1-1 draws against Hong Kong and Iraq respectively on Matchday One.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: UAE head coach Bert van Marwijk was delighted to claim three points after his side edged Malaysia 2-1 in their Asian Qualifiers Group G encounter at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Tuesday.
This was Marwijk’s first competitive game in charge of UAE since taking the role in March and he was given a reality check when Malaysia grabbed the lead inside the first minute.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuwait City: Australia got the emphatic start they wanted for their Asian Qualifiers campaign as the Socceroos defeated Kuwait 3-0 in a Group B tie at the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium on Tuesday.
Kuwait had opened their campaign with a 7-0 win over Nepal but a first half blitz saw Australia walk away with a comfortable win to kick off their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
It was Australia's first competitive match since their defence of the AFC Asian Cup title ended in the quarter-finals at UAE 2019 and head coach Graham Arnold was satisfied with his team's performance.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riffa: Head coach Herve Renard was a relieved man after Saudi Arabia played to a 2-2 draw with Yemen in their opening Asian Qualifiers Group D tie at the Bahrain National Stadium on Tuesday.
Three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia were the favourites going into the match but had to come from behind twice to salvage a point against a highly-motivated Yemen side in the qualifying tie for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
Yemen, who also drew 2-2 with Singapore on Matchday One, took the lead after eight minutes through Mohsen Qarawi, with Hattan Bahebri drawing Saudi Arabia level. Omar Al Dahi restored Yemen's lead but they were pulled back once again with Salman Al Dawsari's goal giving Renard's side a share of the points.