#AsianCup2023 opens with record-breaking attendance

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

#AsianCup2023 opens with record-breaking attendance

Doha: The grandest ever edition of Asia’s national team flagship got underway in spectacular fashion on Friday evening with a record number of spectators contributing to the electric atmosphere during the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ between Qatar and Lebanon.

A total of 82,490 fans thronged the iconic Lusail Stadium to witness Qatar get off to a winning start in the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel, which eclipsed the previous attendance record of 40,000 for an opening match in AFC Asian Cup™ history that was set in 2004 when China PR and Bahrain played out a 2-2 draw at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing.

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Afif’s thoughts only on Qatar's title defence

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Afif’s thoughts only on Qatar's title defence

Doha: Akram Afif said his focus is on helping Qatar defend their AFC Asian Cup™ title rather than pursuing personal dreams following their 3-0 win over Lebanon on Friday.

Afif scored twice with Almoez Ali contributing the third as the defending champions opened their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A campaign in style at the Lusail Stadium. 

Group A: Qatar 3-0 Lebanon

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Group A: Qatar 3-0 Lebanon

Lusail: Qatar kicked off the defence of their AFC Asian Cup™ title with an impressive 3-0 win over Lebanon as the 2023 edition of the continental showpiece got off to a fine start at the Lusail Stadium on Friday.

The victory was richly deserved with Qatar dominating from start to finish, Akram Afif scoring twice with Almoez Ali netting the third - which saw him equal Korea Republic's Lee Dong-gook as the second highest scorer in the history of the AFC Asian Cup™ - as the defending champions set the early pace in Group A. 

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Dazzling opening ceremony sets stage for Qatar 2023

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

Dazzling opening ceremony sets stage for Qatar 2023

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the magnificent Lusail Stadium on Friday.

Ahead of the competition’s highly anticipated opening clash between hosts Qatar and Lebanon, the Lusail Stadium welcomed fans from across Asia to bask in the splendour of Asia’s crown jewel. 
 
Graced by the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ceremony commenced with a spectacular theatrical performance, The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh, based on the ancient fable of the same name.

Australia’s Irvine eyeing strong start; Sahal’s India up for the challenge

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

Australia’s Irvine eyeing strong start; Sahal’s India up for the challenge

Al Rayyan: Jackson Irvine believes Australia can make a positive start to their AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 campaign when they meet India in a Group B tie at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday.

Sahal Samad, however, believes India have what it takes to stop the Socceroos when they meet for the first time since their 4-0 defeat in the 2011 edition.

Uzbekistan’s Masharipov aiming for redemption; Syria’s Ramadan confident

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

Uzbekistan’s Masharipov aiming for redemption; Syria’s Ramadan confident

Doha: As Uzbekistan prepare to lock horns with Syria in their first Group B encounter of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, captain Jaloliddin Masharipov is eager to seize the opportunity to erase the heartbreak of their 2019 campaign.

The White Wolves’ journey came to a premature end when they were eliminated by Australia in the Round of 16, a defeat Masharipov still can’t forget.

China PR’s Yan Junling demands focus; Nazarov determined to inspire Tajikistan

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

China PR’s Yan Junling demands focus; Nazarov determined to inspire Tajikistan

Doha: Yan Junling wants China PR to have laser sharp focus when they take on debutants Tajikistan in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 Group A opener at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday.

Akhtam Nazarov, meanwhile, expects Tajikistan to shine in their maiden AFC Asian Cup appearance.