Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Since its inception in 1956, the AFC Asian Cup has seen 32 nations grace the ultimate stage. The decision to expand the 17th edition of Asia’s crown jewel to 24 teams made an instant impact with Kyrgyz Republic, the Philippines and Yemen marking the first time the tournament will see three debutants since the 2004 edition in China PR.
As the Continent’s most-anticipated showpiece draws closer, the three debutants are leaving nothing to chance in their quests to confirm their deserving place amongst Asia’s elite.
Philippines extended their outstanding form beyond their Qualifiers, impressing with a six-match unbeaten run since March, which included commendable draws against Bahrain, Oman and Thailand before their narrow defeat to Vietnam in the AFF Cup semi-finals last week.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Already a legend at club level with Shanghai SIPG, 27-year-old Wu Lei is looking to emulate his goal-scoring exploits in China PR colours at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 in January.
Although he has never played his club football abroad, Wu Lei is widely regarded as one of the top players to have emerged from China PR over the past decade. His two nominations of the AFC Player of the Year award - he finished third in both 2016 and 2017 - are testament to his status in Asian football.
Nationality: China PR
Date of birth: 19/11/1991
Position: Winger
Current club: Shanghai SIPG
Previous clubs: None
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: With the biggest and best AFC Asian Cup less than one month away, passionate fans from across the Continent and beyond have confirmed the Team Bus slogans for the 24 participating teams.
After shortlisting the thousands of entries in phase one, each nation was then given a selection of three catchphrases to choose from in the second phase, which ended on November 1, 2018.
The month-long contest, which was launched to give football fans the opportunity to showcase their passion and be a part of the continental showpiece, was a major hit on social media with the second phase receiving over 105,000 votes across the AFC’s digital platforms.
Islamic Republic of Iran led the Continent in engagement numbers, garnering over 25,000 votes, with the winning slogan – Eighty Million People, One Nation, One Heartbeat – securing over 11,000 votes.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Ulsan: Head coach Paulo Bento had a message as Korea Republic's AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 hopefuls checked in for training on Tuesday - every player has a chance to make the final squad for the Continental showpiece on January 5-February 1.
Korea Republic are seeking to win the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 1960 and Bento wants the best players available for the challenge that awaits in UAE 2019, where 24 of the continent's top teams will be vying for glory.
Former Portugal coach Bento has called up 23 players plying their trade in the K League, Japan and China PR - for this phase of training and urged them to fight for their places.
"Nothing has been confirmed (for the Asian Cup squad)," Bento said. "The door is open to any player. I will confirm the final Asian Cup roster after checking these players through training."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: When the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 gets underway next month there will be more than 550 players hoping to have a celebration as the final concludes on February 1, but before that there are plenty amongst that number who will be having a smaller party of their own given that their birthday falls during the four-week extravaganza.
22 of the 24 participating nations will likely have a birthday boy amongst their ranks, with 2007 winners Iraq heading the list given they could potentially have seven players set to blow out the candles should they progress to at least the quarter-finals.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic may be newcomers to the AFC Asian Cup, but head coach Aleksandr Krestinin believes his side are good enough to reach the knockout stage at UAE 2019.
The Central Asians are in Group C alongside Korea Republic, China PR and fellow first-time qualifiers the Philippine, but, while aware of the scale of the challenge ahead, Krestinin told the-AFC.com he is confident of a successful campaign in the United Arab Emirates.
"We understand our level, and the level of the AFC Asian Cup," the 40-year-old explained. "We must be competitively capable, and we have everything to be able to do that."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a provisional squad of 35 players for the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
Queiroz, preparing Iran for what Team Melli hope will be a first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976, will announce his final squad on December 15 ahead of the training camp in Doha, Qatar.
Iran are also scheduled to play a friendly match with Qatar during the training camp.
Three-time champions Iran are in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 along with Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam.