5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Doha: The clock is ticking on towards the start of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023, with the hosts set to take on Lebanon in the opening match at Lusail Stadium on Friday.

As all eyes turn to Doha, the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane to relive five of the most memorable opening matches in the history of the AFC Asian Cup.

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5 of the Best: Goal Threats

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Goal Threats

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ promises plenty of goals as Qatar is set to host 51 thrilling matches in the continental showpiece, starting with the curtain raiser between the hosts and Lebanon on Friday and culminating in the final on February 10. 

The tournament, first played in 1956, has over the years witnessed plenty of incredible attackers – be it Islamic Republic of Iran legend Ali Daei in 1996, Iraq's inspirational leader Younis Mahmoud in 2007 or Almoez Ali who guided Qatar to their very first Asian crown in 2019. 
 
The 18th edition of the tournament is also not short of attacking talent who will try to make an indelible mark in Asia, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five individuals who could prove to be the biggest goal threats at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. 

5 of the Best: Young Stars

Sat, 06 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Young Stars

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is set to kick off on January 12 when the hosts and reigning champions Qatar take on Lebanon in the opening match of the prestigious competition which will witness an array of talent from across the continent converge on the West Asian nation. 

While Son Heung-min, Mehdi Taremi, Ali Mabkhout and Wataru Endo will be some of the most high-profile names in action during the 18th edition of the tournament, there are also plenty of up-and-coming stars who will be hoping to elevate their status over the coming month. 
 
With the tournament now just days away, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five such youngsters who have the potential to write their name into the history books with a strong showing in Qatar. 

5 of the Best: Swansongs

Sat, 06 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Swansongs

Doha: As the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ draws ever closer to the big kick-off on January 12, some of Asia's most decorated and recognisable players may be about to appear in the competition for the last time. 

From the host nation's captain to India’s talisman and many others, a number of veterans will take to the pitches across Qatar as they look to inspire their countries to a successful campaign. 
 
Whether it will be the last time we see them in AFC Asian Cup action is yet to be determined, but the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on five players who could be appearing in the continent's most prestigious tournament for the final time of their illustrious careers. 

Moriyasu's confidence high despite new-look Japan squad

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Moriyasu's confidence high despite new-look Japan squad

Doha: Only 14 players from the 26 that featured in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 remain in Japan's AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 squad but Hajime Moriyasu is confident that a record-extending fifth title is within reach.

Japan head coach Moriyasu admits that he still has lingering fustration from missing out in UAE 2019, with Qatar denying them in the final. 
 
Missing from Japan's squad are some big names but Moriyasu said he has "assembled the best members to win", with the Samurai Blue last having lifted the AFC Asian Cup trophy in 2011.

Ishii challenges Thailand to rise to the occasion

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Ishii challenges Thailand to rise to the occasion

Bangkok: Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii is unperturbed by the absence of Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, saying it is an opportunity for other players to shine. 

Chanathip and Teerasil have been instrumental to Thailand in recent years, having played key roles in the War Elephants’ run into the Round of 16 in the 2019 edition but injuries have ruled both out of Qatar 2023. 

Al Ghamdi determined to propel Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2023

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Al Ghamdi determined to propel Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2023

Doha: Midfielder Faisal Al Ghamdi is setting his sights on helping Saudi Arabia make a deep run into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as the three-time champions look to claim the continental title for the first time since 1996.

Buoyed by their performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, when the Saudis secured a famous win over eventual champions Argentina in their opening game of the tournament, Al Ghamdi believes the Green Falcons can have a significant impact over the coming month.

Qatar 2023 Squads in Numbers

Fri, 05 Jan, 2024

Qatar 2023 Squads in Numbers

Doha: The 24 teams in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ have confirmed their respective squads for the 18th edition of Asia’s premier national team tournament with plenty of interesting narratives at play.

From the oldest to the youngest as well as players looking to break records, the-AFC.com picks out eight interesting facts from the squads.

Iconic stadiums primed for Qatar 2023

Tue, 02 Jan, 2024

Iconic stadiums primed for Qatar 2023

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is set to be a spectacular affair with the 51 matches to be played in nine state-of-the-art stadiums.

The Lusail Stadium leads the way, with the iconic stadium to host the opening match between Qatar and Lebanon and the final. 

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the stadiums that will feature the continent’s best players vying for the coveted AFC Asian Cup trophy. 

Road to Qatar 2023 Revisited

Mon, 01 Jan, 2024

Road to Qatar 2023 Revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ kicks off in just a few days with anticipation building for the continental showpiece. 

The 24 teams had to endure a long and winding road to reach their destination and as we eagerly await the opening match between Qatar and Lebanon on January 12, the-AFC.com retraces a qualifying campaign like never before.