Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: Football fans throughout the continent are gearing up for the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup which kicks off in just 50 days’ time in the United Arab Emirates.
For the first time, 24 nations will compete for the most prestigious prize in Asian football in what will be the biggest sporting event to be held in the region.
With the action kicking-off on January 5, 2019 when hosts UAE take on Bahrain at Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi, the exciting build-up has already seen thousands of fans participate in a wide range of exciting activations, which is spreading enthusiasm for the tournament throughout communities.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The biggest and best AFC Asian Cup will kick off in 50 days when the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, take on Gulf neighbours Bahrain in Zayed Sports City to kick off the greatest football spectacle in Asia.
More teams than ever – a total of 24 – up from 16 – will compete for not only Continental glory but also a glittering new trophy and a record prize fund of almost US$15 m in this football extravaganza.
This week most of the competing nations - with at least one from each of the AFC’s five Regional Associations – have begun their final preparations with matches across Asia with the holders Australia facing fellow finalists Korea Republic and Lebanon.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With just 50 days to go for the kick-off of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the teams are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to make a mark on the Continental showpiece.
While Asia's biggest teams took their customary place in the glittering draw in Dubai last May, there are several national sides who will be making their debuts in the Finals or returning to the Continental showpiece after having missed out on several editions.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The decisive matches in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 are to be enhanced by the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after the AFC Referees Committee approved its use from the quarter-finals onwards.
Asia already boasts some of the world’s leading referees and now they will be given the additional support of VAR for the tournament quarter-finals, semi-finals and the February 1 final.
The VAR system will therefore be used in seven matches at four venues – Zayed Sports City and Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Under long-serving head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Islamic Republic of Iran have undoubtedly been about the collective rather than the individual, but in Alireza Jahanbakhsh they possess a star with the potential to illuminate the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
In recent years, Russia-based forward Sardar Azmoun has been where the hype has centred, but that started to change during the 2017-18 season when right-sided midfielder Jahanbakhsh finished as top scorer in the Netherlands’ Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar.
Nationality: IR Iran
Date of birth: 11/08/1993
Position: Midfield
Current club: Brighton & Hove Albion (England)
Previous clubs: AZ Alkmaar, NEC (both Netherlands), Damash Gilan, Damash Tehran (both Iran)
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Lugano: Qatar scored a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Switzerland in an international friendly on Wednesday as the West Asian side ramped up preparations for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Akram Afif was the hero, scoring the winner four minutes from time to stun World No 8 Switzerland at the Cornadero Stadium in Lugano, Switzerland.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Top scorer of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, Ali Mabkhout has grown in importance for the host nation as they look to win their first ever title.
If Omar Abdulrahman was the poster boy for the United Arab Emirates’ success in reaching the AFC Asian Cup last time out in Australia, and finishing third, then Ali Mabkhout was the side’s most productive performer.
The Whites’ number 7 was the tournament’s top goalscorer in 2015, bagging five goals in six appearances, including the fastest ever goal in the history of the AFC Asian Cup, scored 14 seconds into the UAE’s group stage match against Bahrain.