#ACL - Round of 16: New Arrivals

Sat, 10 Feb, 2024

#ACL - Round of 16: New Arrivals

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 returns with the Round of 16 kicking off on February 13, and the clubs involved have experienced a number of arrivals and departures since the group stage drew to a close in December.

With the off-season in China PR, Japan and Korea Republic taking place in their winter months, seven of the eight sides remaining in the East Asia side of the draw have been building for the new domestic campaign with an eye also on challenging for continental glory. 
 
There hasn't been much transfer movement in West Asia but Saudi Arabia clubs Al Hilal SFC and Al Nassr have made signings and ahead of the return of the Asia's premier club competition, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the changes that have taken place since the group stage at the end of last year.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_preview_round_of_16.html

Round of 16: The Contenders

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

Round of 16: The Contenders

Kuala Lumpur: Just three days after the final of a remarkable AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, the continent’s premier club competition will return when the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 knockout rounds get underway on February 13. 

Some 40 teams entered the group stage when it kicked off back in September, with eight former champions and numerous world-renowned stars from the Saudi Pro League among the initial cast. 
 
That number has now been whittled down to 16 as eight sides from East Asia and eight from West Asia battle it out to be crowned kings of Asia. Ahead of the first legs of the Round of 16, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the teams. 

Preview - Final: Jordan v Qatar

Sat, 10 Feb, 2024

Preview - Final: Jordan v Qatar

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final between Jordan and Qatar is set to be a titanic battle with both teams seeking to create history at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday.

Jordan are aiming to become AFC Asian Cup champions for the first time, while Qatar are striving to be only the fifth nation to win back-to-back titles.

Al Haydos proud Qatar have defied expectations

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

Al Haydos proud Qatar have defied expectations

Doha: Hassan Al Haydos is pleased Qatar have defied expectations by reaching the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final, with the defending champions to face Jordan at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday. 

Indifferent form coming into the tournament had raised doubts about Qatar’s ability to retain the title they won in emphatic fashion in UAE 2019 but Al Haydos and his teammates rediscovered their best at the right time. 

Al Ajalin: Defensive discipline will take Jordan to title

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

Al Ajalin: Defensive discipline will take Jordan to title

Doha: Salem Al Ajalin is confident Jordan have the defensive strength to stop Qatar when the two sides meet in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final at Lusail Stadium on Saturday.

No team managed to stop Qatar from scoring in their six matches en route to the final but the experienced Al Faisaly SC defender believes that Jordan will be the first.

Final - Players to watch: Jordan

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

Final - Players to watch: Jordan

Doha: The stage is set for Jordan to create history when they take on Qatar in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final at Lusail Stadium on Saturday.

So many remarkable performances have marked Al-Nashama's journey in Qatar 2023 and with one massive match awaiting them, the-AFC.com pick out three players who will be key to them lifting the title for the first time.

Final - Players to watch: Qatar

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

Final - Players to watch: Qatar

Doha: After 50 intense matches, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is approaching its climax with Jordan and Qatar facing off in the final at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday.

Standing in Jordan's way for a first ever AFC Asian Cup title are defending champions Qatar,  who have continued from where they left off in the UAE 2019 edition. 

Seeking a second title, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight of three players who will be crucial to Qatar's hopes on Saturday.

Know the Coach: Hussein Ammouta (Jordan)

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

Know the Coach: Hussein Ammouta (Jordan)

Doha: Hussein Ammouta is one match away from leading Jordan to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ title and if he does, it will be the crowning glory for an individual who has spent the better part of his career - as a player and a coach - in Asia.

Having taken charge only in June, 2023, the Moroccan has plotted a title charge that had seemed unlikely even a week before the continental showpiece kicked off, with Jordan having suffered a 6-1 defeat to Japan in a friendly match.

Ammouta, however, turned his team around for their AFC Asian Cup challenge with Jordan getting stronger with each passing match at Qatar 2023.

Know the Coach: Marquez Lopez (Qatar)

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Know the Coach: Marquez Lopez (Qatar)

Doha: Qatar are within one match of retaining the AFC Asian Cup™ title and if they do, head coach Marquez Lopez will deserve as much as credit as the players.

That Qatar have made it to the final is testament to Lopez's ability to get the best out of his players despite having taken over as head coach slightly more than a month before the continental showpiece kicked off.

How they got there: Jordan

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

How they got there: Jordan

Doha: Jordan will appear in their first AFC Asian Cup™ final when they take on defending champions Qatar in the 2023 decider on Saturday.

Having never advanced beyond the quarter-final stage previously, Jordan have been a revelation in their fifth appearance at the continental showpiece.
 
The-AFC.com retraces their journey to the final.

How they got there: Qatar

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

How they got there: Qatar

Doha: Qatar will face Jordan in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final aiming to defend the title they won in spectacular fashion in the 2019 edition.

It has been another stellar campaign for the Maroons, who emerged champions in 2019 with a perfect record of seven wins, with Marquez Lopez's side unbeaten en route to qualifying for Saturday's final at the Lusail Stadium.
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at how Qatar's journey unfolded in this edition.