Title target as Suzuki seeks redemption

Sat, 10 Oct, 2026

Title target as Suzuki seeks redemption

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Zion Suzuki has set his sights on winning the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to make amends for his errors at the previous edition of the continental championship and repay Hajime Moriyasu for the faith the Samurai Blue coach showed in the young goalkeeper.

Suzuki endured a baptism of fire at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ when, as a raw 21-year-old, he made several costly mistakes on the way to the country’s quarter-final exit at the hands of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

But, having since established himself at both club and international level, the towering goalkeeper is keen to pay back Moriyasu as the Japan head coach prepares for his final tournament in charge of the national team.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3195974

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3195976

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3195978

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3195980

Player to watch: Gulzhigit Alykulov (KGZ)

Fri, 09 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Gulzhigit Alykulov (KGZ)

Kuala Lumpur: An ever-present member of the Kyrgyz Republic squad throughout the Qualifiers, Gulzhigit Alykulov is primed to make a strong impression at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Featuring in five of the six matches in Group D of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2, Alykulov scored the vital equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Malaysia to enable Kyrgyz Republic to pip the Southeast Asian side to second place behind Oman, thus booking their ticket to the Finals.

Player to watch: Omar Khrbin (SYR)

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Omar Khrbin (SYR)

Kuala Lumpur: Proven striker Omar Khrbin will be central to Syria’s hopes when the Qasioun Eagles compete for continental glory at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The 2017 AFC Player of the Year – the first Syria footballer to win the award - combines fluid movement, composure and an eye for goal and remains one of his country’s most influential attacking players.

Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Kuala Lumpur: Talismanic striker Mehdi Taremi will look to end more than 50 years of AFC Asian Cup™ near-misses and disappointment for the Islamic Republic of Iran in Saudi Arabia 2027™ when the widely-travelled forward seeks to lead his nation to their first title since 1976.

The 34-year-old is already considered one of his nation’s finest-ever players, forging a successful career at the highest level in European club football as well as scoring at the FIFA World Cup.

Player to watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Wed, 07 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Kuala Lumpur: Musa Al Taamari played a starring role in Jordan’s historic run at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and the dynamic forward will once again be expected to lead their challenge at Saudi Arabia 2027.

Blessed with pace, close control and the ability to take on defenders, Al Taamari has developed into one of Asia’s most recognisable attacking players and is a key figure for both club and country.

Player to watch: Han Kwang Song (PRK)

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Han Kwang Song (PRK)

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea will be excited to get their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign underway with Han Kwang Song in the mood to be the brightest spark.

One of a small number of players from the nation to have played their club football overseas, the forward sparkled during his stint in Italy.