Europe Wrap: Ogawa at the double; Bhandari makes history in France

Tue, 06 Feb, 2024

Europe Wrap: Ogawa at the double; Bhandari makes history in France

Kuala Lumpur: Koki Ogawa continued his good form in the Netherlands since his loan move from Japan's Yokohama FC as he opened the scoring from the spot and then added another eight minutes later for NEC Nijmegen who beat Heracles Almelo 3-1 in the Eredivisie on Saturday. 

Sabitra Bhandari became the first player from Nepal to play in a top tier European league when the 27-year-old striker came on as a substitute in EA Guingamp’s 1-1 draw with Bordeaux — just hours after she joined the Division 1 Feminine club in France. 
 
Tatsuhiro Sakamoto netted for Coventry City in England’s second division and Moeka Minami helped AS Roma defeat Juventus in the Italian women’s league, so join the-AFC.com as we find out how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the past week. 

Semi-finals: 5 things to look out for

Tue, 06 Feb, 2024

Semi-finals: 5 things to look out for

Doha: Just four teams remain in the hunt to be crowned champions of the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup™ with the semi-finals to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Up first, two-time winners Korea Republic, who are seeking their first continental title since 1960, take on last-four debutants Jordan before hosts and defending champions Qatar face an Islamic Republic of Iran side aiming to win a fourth title and first since 1976. 
 
Ahead of the two crunch match-ups, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Jahanbakhsh: IR Iran determined to deliver

Tue, 06 Feb, 2024

Jahanbakhsh: IR Iran determined to deliver

Doha: The Islamic Republic of Iran will be appearing in the AFC Asian Cup™ semi-finals for the second tournament in a row after Saturday’s sensational 2-1 victory over Japan. 

Alireza Jahanbakhsh tells the-AFC.com how defeat at the same stage in 2019 will motivate his team against Qatar.

SF - Preview: Jordan v Korea Republic

Tue, 06 Feb, 2024

SF - Preview: Jordan v Korea Republic

Doha: Head coach Hussein Ammouta believes he has to get his tactics right for Jordan’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final against Korea Republic at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday.

Having already surpassed their previous best by reaching the semi-finals of the continental showpiece, Ammouta is determined Jordan’s journey will only end after lifting the title for the first time despite the awesome challenge awaiting them. 

Pressure a motivating factor for Korea Republic, says Hwang

Mon, 05 Feb, 2024

Pressure a motivating factor for Korea Republic, says Hwang

Al Rayyan: Hwang In-beom feels the pressure on Korea Republic ahead of their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final clash with Jordan will only serve as extra motivation for the team.

Having beaten Saudi Arabia and Australia to reach the last four and with 44 places separating Korea and Jordan in the FIFA World Ranking, expectations have heightened that a first AFC Asian Cup title since 1960 awaits the Taegeuk Warriors .

Saadeh ready to help Jordan create more history

Mon, 05 Feb, 2024

Saadeh ready to help Jordan create more history

Doha: Ibrahim Saadeh believes it will be a confident Jordan team that will take to the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium pitch for their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final against Korea Republic on Tuesday.

Having reached a historic first semi-final at the continental showpiece, the 23-year-old is adamant that Jordan’s amazing journey will not end despite the huge task of facing a Korea Republic side determined to end a long wait for a third AFC Asian Cup title. 

SF - Jordan v Korea Republic: Facts & Figures

Mon, 05 Feb, 2024

SF - Jordan v Korea Republic: Facts & Figures

Doha: Jordan will be aiming to continue their dream run when they take on Korea Republic in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Tuesday.

Jordan advanced to the last four stage with a 1-0 win over Tajikistan while Korea Republic needed a Son Heung-min special to see off the challenge of Australia in their quarter-final.

SF - Jordan v Korea Republic: How they got there

Mon, 05 Feb, 2024

SF - Jordan v Korea Republic: How they got there

Doha: Jordan will take on Korea Republic in the first of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-finals on Tuesday.

It promises to be a thriller with Jordan chasing a first ever appearance in the final while Korea Republic are seeking a third title, having won the first two editions of the continental showpiece.

Indonesia crowned champions of first-ever AFC eAsian Cup

Tue, 06 Feb, 2024

Indonesia crowned champions of first-ever AFC eAsian Cup

Doha: Indonesia defeated Japan to emerge winners of the inaugural edition of the AFC eAsian Cup on Monday.

The tournament, which kicked off last Thursday at Doha’s Virtuocity eSports Arena, witnessed five days of high intensity matches involving 19 teams from the AFC’s Member Associations.