Experience playing key role in Qatar’s push for title, says Afif

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Experience playing key role in Qatar’s push for title, says Afif

Doha: Qatar’s debut appearance in the FIFA World Cup on home soil just over 13 months ago may have ended in three defeats but the experience gained, believes Akram Afif, is powering their bid to defend the AFC Asian Cup™ title. 

Afif and his teammates moved within one match of lifting the coveted AFC Asian Cup trophy for a second time after a breathtaking 3-2 win over Islamic Republic of Iran in their semi-final on Wednesday, with Qatar showing confidence and composure despite the weight of expectations. 

Lopez: Speedsters steered Qatar into final

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Lopez: Speedsters steered Qatar into final

Doha: Marquez Lopez was delighted his decision to start without skipper Hassan Al Haydos paid off after Qatar secured a 3-2 win over Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday to seal a second successive appearance in the AFC Asian Cup™ final.

Lopez felt Homam Ahmed, Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali had the pace needed to break down Iran’s backline, a decision that delivered handsome dividends for the defending champions, who face Jordan in Saturday’s final.  

Hajsafi: Luck not on IR Iran’s side

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Hajsafi: Luck not on IR Iran’s side

Doha: Ehsan Hajsafi blamed luck for Islamic Republic of Iran’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Qatar in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.

Trailing 3-2 with the match in added time, Iran had a couple of opportunities to draw level but luck deserted them as their bid for a fourth continental title came to an end. 

Ghalenoei takes responsibility for IR Iran’s exit

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Ghalenoei takes responsibility for IR Iran’s exit

Doha: Amir Ghalenoei apologised for Islamic Republic of Iran’s 3-2 defeat to Qatar in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final on Wednesday, with the head coach saying he was to blame.

Despite Sardar Azmoun giving them a fourth minute lead, Iran were overrun by Qatar, with strikes from Jassem Gaber and Akram Afif putting the defending champions ahead. Alireza Jahanbakhsh restored parity from the penalty spot but Almoez Ali snatched victory for the hosts with his 82nd minute goal. 

Qatar, IR Iran deliver spectacular show

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Qatar, IR Iran deliver spectacular show

Doha: Qatar advanced to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final after working hard to defeat Islamic Republic of Iran 3-2 in their semi-final on Wednesday.

Both teams produced their best in a spectacular showcase and the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the pulsating tie played at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Qatar to face Jordan for title

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Qatar to face Jordan for title

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final is set to be a blockbuster after Qatar booked their spot following a superb 3-2 against Islamic Republic of Iran in their semi-final on Wednesday.

Qatar will face Jordan, who advanced to the final on Tuesday, having defeated Korea Republic 2-0 in their last four tie.

Jordan's Al Tamari on the verge of making dream come true

Wed, 07 Feb, 2024

Jordan's Al Tamari on the verge of making dream come true

Al Rayyan: It was only a month ago that Mousa Al Tamari dreamt of winning the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ title with Jordan. 

Now, with their place in the final secured following their fabulous 2-0 win over Korea Republic in a pulsating semi-final on Tuesday, the Player of the Match is one game away from making his dream a reality. 
 
The forward was unstoppable at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, creating the first goal for Yazan Al Naimat, before finding the back of the net himself with a surging run followed by a peach of a strike to seal a stunning win. 

Ammouta: Mindset of champions powered Jordan into final

Wed, 07 Feb, 2024

Ammouta: Mindset of champions powered Jordan into final

Al Rayyan: Head coach Hussein Ammouta was proud of the mindset of champions his Jordan side produced in their stunning 2-0 victory over Korea Republic in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Goals from Yazan Al Naimat and Mousa Al Tamari at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium secured Jordan’s historic place in the final, where they will face either defending champions Qatar or the Islamic Republic of Iran.