Al Hayam confident of Bahrain’s chances against Japan

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Al Hayam confident of Bahrain’s chances against Japan

Doha: Waleed Al Hayam says Bahrain are ready for a tough encounter but confident of their chances against four-time champions Japan when they meet in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.

Bahrain’s confidence is sky high after they bounced back from an opening day 3-1 defeat against Korea Republic to top Group E with wins against Malaysia and Jordan.

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We know what to expect from Bahrain, says Japan’s Kubo

Wed, 31 Jan, 2024

We know what to expect from Bahrain, says Japan’s Kubo

Doha: Takefusa Kubo is confident Japan are well prepared for their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16  tie against Bahrain at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.

Japan advanced to the knockout stage after a second place finish in Group D while Bahrain topped Group E, finishing ahead of Korea Republic. 

R16 - Bahrain v Japan: Facts & Figures

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

R16 - Bahrain v Japan: Facts & Figures

Doha: Bahrain will be on a mission to end Japan's dream of a fifth title when they meet in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 on Tuesday.

Bahrain advanced to the knockout stage as the Group E winners while Japan finished as the Group D runners-up, having suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Iraq. 

Jahanbakhsh: IR Iran will do our best to keep title dream alive

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Jahanbakhsh: IR Iran will do our best to keep title dream alive

Doha: Alireza Jahanbakhsh believes the Islamic Republic of Iran’s careful study of Syria’s earlier matches will help the Central Asian side when the two teams meet in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Wednesday.

Iran were at their best in the group stage, achieving a perfect record of three wins while Syria earned a historic first ever spot in the knockout stage as one of the top four third-placed teams.

R16 - IR Iran v Syria: Facts & Figures

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

R16 - IR Iran v Syria: Facts & Figures

Doha: Syria will attempt to derail Islamic Republic of Iran's bid for a long overdue fourth title when the two sides square off in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Iran are a team in form, topping Group C with a perfect record of three wins while Syria advanced as one of the best four third-placed teams.

Equaliser before the break was crucial for Qatar, says Salman

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Equaliser before the break was crucial for Qatar, says Salman

Al Khor: Tarek Salman said Qatar’s equaliser just before half time was the turning point as the defending champions edged Palestine 2-1 to seal their place in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-finals on Monday.

The host nation survived a tough test from Palestine, who took the lead before succumbing to goals from Hassan Al-Haydos and Akram Afif either side of the break.

Qatar’s Lopez hails ‘unique’ Afif after Palestine win

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Qatar’s Lopez hails ‘unique’ Afif after Palestine win

Al Khor: Akram Afif’s individual performance was the difference according to head coach Marquez Lopez as Qatar came from behind to defeat Palestine 2-1 in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

After Palestine took the lead through Oday Dabbagh half an hour into the first half, it was Afif who set-up Hassan Al Haydos for the equaliser with a well-rehearsed move from a corner, before adding his fourth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot just after the restart to secure the win for the hosts.
 
Contributing to two goals on the night, Afif took his overall AFC Asian Cup goal contributions tally to 17, having assisted a record 10 goals and scored one in the UAE 2019 edition. He now sits second on the scoring chart for the ongoing tournament with four goals to his name in addition to two assists.

Al Rashdan commends Jordan’s indomitable spirit

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Al Rashdan commends Jordan’s indomitable spirit

Doha: Match-winner Nizar Al Rashdan lauded Jordan's unbreakable spirit after they came from behind to edge Iraq 3-2 to snatch a berth in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarter-finals on Monday.

The midfielder unleashed a spectacular curling shot from outside the box in the seventh minute of added time, the second of two goals Jordan scored after the completion of regulation time, to set up a clash with Tajikistan on Friday.

Ammouta: Perfect plan took Jordan past Iraq

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Ammouta: Perfect plan took Jordan past Iraq

Doha: Hussein Ammouta attributed a sound tactical plan for Jordan's exciting 3-2 win over Iraq in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

Iraq dominated from the start, limiting Jordan to counter-attacks but that didn’t stop Ammouta's side from taking the lead in the closing stages of the first half through Yazan Al Naimat.
 
Iraq came back fighting in the second half, scoring twice through Suad Natiq and Aymen Hussein, only to be left a man down following the latter’s dismissal with Jordan netting through Yazan Al Arab and Nizar Al Rashdan deep into added time to set up a quarter-final with Tajikistan on Friday.