Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Stephen Constantine needs no introduction to Indian football fans. The Briton first managed India between 2002 and 2005, and since January 2015 he has been in charge for a second spell with the South Asian nation.
Under him, India have made steady progress. Ahead of India’s fourth campaign in the AFC Asian Cup – they previously qualified for the 1964, 1984 and 2011 editions – Constantine reveals his thoughts in an exclusive email interview with the-AFC.com.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/india-qualify.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Qatar suffered a minor setback in their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Algeria at the Khalifa International Stadium, while India and Oman played to a goalless draw on Thursday.
QATAR 0-1 ALGERIA
Doha: Drawn in Group E in the Continental showpiece, Qatar had enjoyed an undefeated streak since their win over Switzerland in November which was put to a halt by a Baghdad Bounedjah goal in the 57th minute.
Felix Sanchez's side will have one more friendly with Islamic Republic of Iran on New Year's Eve before heading to the UAE to open their campaign against Lebanon at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on January 9.
They will play DPR Korea and Saudi Arabia on January 13 and 17 respectively.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bengaluru: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has admitted that watching some of the continent’s best players at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar gave him the motivation to develop into the player he is today.
The goalkeeper was just 18 years old when he was included in the India squad for the 2011 edition when the Blue Tigers were drawn alongside continental heavyweights Australia, Korea Republic and Bahrain.
And although Gurpreet got no game time as the South Asians ultimately lost all three of their matches, he looks back on the experience as a positive one that helped him progress in his career.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
New Delhi: With January’s AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 set to see India return to the Continent’s biggest stage for the first time in eight years, this wasn’t captain Sunil Chhetri simply hoping for safe passage to the United Arab Emirates in time for the tournament. It’s his vision for where his nation’s footballing aspirations should be pointed.
As the only remaining member of the side that reached the 2011 edition, which ended a hiatus that exceeded a quarter of a century, bombastic platitudes would be an easy card to play. But talking up potential upsets and derailing the continental giants are far from the 34-year-old’s priorities. The big picture is what dominates his outlook.
“I was really dejected when we missed out on the last edition,” he admitted to FIFA.com.
“I think it’s very, very important for a country like us to keep qualifying for this big tournament, because that tells you where you are and if you’re doing well.
“It also gives you a chance to rub shoulders with the biggest teams in Asia. If you do well, other teams take notice of you.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: India were the first national team to arrive for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 when they landed today in Abu Dhabi International Airport. The team were greeted with a fervent reception from their supporters thanks to a staggering 3.3 million Indian community who call the UAE home.
The Blue Tigers will be competing in the Continental showpiece for the fourth time in their history, having previously participated in the 1964, 1984 and 2011 editions.
Head coach Stephen Constantine had named a 34-man preliminary squad for the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup which was trimmed to 28 before boarding the plane to Abu Dhabi. A final list of 23-players will be announced next week.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Isa Town: Bahrain's buildup to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 received another boost as they defeated DPR Korea 4-0 in an international friendly at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium on Saturday.
Bahrain, who will play hosts UAE in the opening match of the Continental showpiece on January 5, took the lead through Mohammed Al Romaihi in the ninth minute.
Ahmad Jumaa doubled Bahrain's advantage in the 35th minute.
Jamal Rashed added the third for Bahrain, who defeated Lebanon 1-0 in a friendly on December 26, in the 65th minute before Kameel Al Aswad sealed an emphatic win for Miroslav Soukup's side just a minute later.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: A new generation of Bahraini players are looking to deliver their country's first AFC Asian Cup knock-out stage qualification since 2004, and in Europe-based Abdulla Helal, they have a star to inspire them.
Helal became the first-ever Bahraini player to represent a top division European club when he joined Czech Republic side Bohemians 1905 in the summer. He has since impressed, becoming the team's top scorer with five league goals so far.
Nationality: Bahrain
Date of birth: 12/06/1993
Position: Forward
Current club: Bohemians 1905 (Czech Republic)
Previous clubs: East Riffa, Al Muharraq (Both Bahrain)