Qatar’s Al Haydos seeks title defence; Maatouk eyes history with Lebanon

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

Qatar’s Al Haydos seeks title defence; Maatouk eyes history with Lebanon

Doha: Hassan Al Haydos is targeting a successful defence when reigning champions Qatar kick off their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign against Lebanon in Group A on Friday.

As for his opposite number Hassan Maatouk, Qatar 2023 represents an opportunity to create history for Lebanese football - a place in the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

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Group A - Qatar v Lebanon: Facts & Figures

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Group A - Qatar v Lebanon: Facts & Figures

Lusail: The 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup™ kicks off on Friday with Qatar opening the defence of their title against Lebanon.

Ahead of what promises to be an enthralling opener at the Lusail Stadium, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the two sides. 

AFC Asian Cup™ in Numbers

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

AFC Asian Cup™ in Numbers

Doha: The wait for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is almost over with hosts and defending champions Qatar set to take on Lebanon in the opening game on Friday. 

The 18th edition of the continental competition marks the third time it has been held in Qatar, following on from the tournaments in 1988 and 2011 as, just over a year since the FIFA World Cup, the Gulf nation stages yet another festival of football. 
 
As the big kick-off rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the AFC Asian Cup in numbers. 

World-class #AsianCup2023 preparations lauded by OCAC

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

World-class #AsianCup2023 preparations lauded by OCAC

Doha: With just over 24 hours to go before hosts Qatar and Lebanon take centrestage at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opener at the Lusail Stadium, the Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) has praised the exceptional stage provided for Asia’s players and teams to showcase their best ever performance.

Chaired by Mariano V. Araneta, Jr., the members of the OCAC were provided with a comprehensive update on the key milestones and breakthrough achievements leading up to the tournament as well as the readiness of all the main operational components to deliver a true spectacle for all stakeholders.

Shin promises a sharper Indonesia

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Shin promises a sharper Indonesia

Doha: Head coach Shin Tae-yong believes there is room for improvement ahead of Indonesia kicking off their AFC Asian Cup™ 2023 challenge on Monday.

The Southeast Asian side lost 5-0 to Islamic Republic of Iran in their final friendly at the Al Rayyan Training Site in Doha on Tuesday with Shin expecting a more resolute performance against Iraq in their Group D match against Iraq on Monday.

Chhetri: India well prepared for Australia

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Chhetri: India well prepared for Australia

Doha: Australia will hold no surprises for India when the two sides face off in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ tie on Saturday.

The two met at the same stage in the 2011 edition with India suffering a 4-0 defeat but captain Sunil Chhetri is confident history will not repeat itself in their Group B clash at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. 

Japan ready to impress

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Japan ready to impress

Doha: Japan completed their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ preparations in style after beating Jordan 6-1 in a closed-door friendly match on Tuesday.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu used the opportunity to give his squad playing time with two completely different sets of teams fielded on either side of the break.

Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today confirmed the cast of match officials that will oversee the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which will take place on Friday at the breathtaking Lusail Stadium.

Widely regarded as one of the most established Asian match officials, Alireza Faghani has been appointed to officiate the highly-anticipated Group A fixture between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon, which will kick off at 7pm in the 88,000-capacity venue and officially get the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel underway.