MD1 Preview - Group C: Cast set for tough campaigns

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD1 Preview - Group C: Cast set for tough campaigns

Kuala Lumpur: There will be no margin for error for the four Group C teams who kick off their Asian Qualifiers' campaigns for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 on Thursday.

With Islamic Republic of Iran the fifth team in the group, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Bahrain and Iraq will be seeking opening day wins for an early boost to their respective campaigns.

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MD1 Preview - Group A: Home teams seek winning starts

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD1 Preview - Group A: Home teams seek winning starts

Kuala Lumpur: Guam and the Philippines will be aiming for winning starts when they begin their respective FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers' campaigns on Thursday.

Guam face Maldives in the opening match of the second round of the Asian Qualifiers while Philippines will face Syria later in the day.

MD1 Preview - Group B: Hopefuls seek early advantage

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD1 Preview - Group B: Hopefuls seek early advantage

Kuala Lumpur: Group B of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 is set for an exciting start as the four teams in action on Matchday One look to hit the ground running.

With Australia the fifth team in the group, Chinese Taipei will be targeting full points against Jordan while Kuwait will expect the same against Nepal.

ACL players looking to shine at Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL players looking to shine at Asian Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: As coaches announce their national team squads ahead of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the eight AFC Champions League quarter-finalists are sending 45 players on the first steps along the road to Qatar 2022 and China 2023.

With the first leg of the 2019 AFC Champions League quarter-finals already concluded and the international break descending to bring respite to club football, eyes of Asian football fans turn to the intriguing opening rounds of the Asian Qualifiers to be played on Thursday and Tuesday.

Fans of the AFC Champions League quarter-finalists will have one eye on their respective club players looking to star at national team level. A total of 45 players will be representing six of the eight sides, with none coming from the two J.League clubs, Kashima Antlers and Urawa Red Diamonds.

Epic openers dominate second round of Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Epic openers dominate second round of Asian Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The attention of world football will be on the Asian Qualifiers on Thursday when the Continent’s top sides aim to gain the early momentum in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 second round qualifying campaigns.

Qatar, the FIFA World Cup 2022 host and AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 defending champions, will face their first test against Afghanistan who will be eager to create their own fairy-tale in the first showdown between the two sides for more than three decades at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Head coaches set for battle of wills

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Head coaches set for battle of wills

Kuala Lumpur: From wily veterans to willing novices, the men charged with leading the 40 nations seeking to advance to the next phase of qualifying for the the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 will be putting the finishing touches to the preparations as the countdown to kick off the second round of the Asian Qualifiers ticks ever louder.

The range in know-how between those taking part is vast, and no one brings more experience to the campaign than Marcello Lippi, the man who led Italy to their fourth world title in 2006 and who is charged with ending China PR’s lengthy FIFA World Cup drought.

Hong Kong's Paatelainen relishing Group C challenge

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hong Kong's Paatelainen relishing Group C challenge

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Mixu Paatelainen is hoping he can turn the negative of a difficult draw into a positive for the future of Hong Kong's football when Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 begins on Thursday.

Hong Kong will commence their campaign against Cambodia in Phnom Penh before hosting Group C top seeds Islamic Republic of Iran five days later at Hong Kong Stadium in what represents a difficult start to their challenge.

Iraq and Bahrain are also in the group, with the pair meeting in Riffa on Thursday.