History-maker Haji determined to help Saudi Arabia win fourth title

Fri, 26 Jan, 2024

History-maker Haji determined to help Saudi Arabia win fourth title

Al Rayyan: It was a historic moment for Asian football on Thursday when Saudi Arabia’s Talal Haji etched his name in the record books, becoming the youngest player ever to play in an AFC Asian Cup™ match at the age of 16 years and 131 days. 

Haji took to the stage in Saudi Arabia's Group F fixture against Thailand, which ended in a 0-0 draw at the Education City Stadium.

The talented teenager nearly made an instant impact, rising to meet Nasser Al Dawsari's cross with a header only to be denied a goal by agile Thai goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.

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Vote for your Best Match of the Group Stage!

Fri, 26 Jan, 2024

Vote for your Best Match of the Group Stage!

Doha: The group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ drew to a close on Thursday as the 16 teams for the knockout rounds were confirmed while eight sides have now been eliminated. 

Incredible late drama, high-scoring matches and several upsets to boot, the opening three matchdays threw up games that will live long in the memory as the 18th edition of the continental competition got underway in style. 
 
With a short break before the Round of 16 kicks off, the-AFC.com looks back on six of the best group stage encounters and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favourite. 

Group Stage in Numbers

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Group Stage in Numbers

Doha: After 36 matches, 87 goals and 16 teams booking their place in the next phase of the competition, the group stage action in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which gave the supporters plenty to talk about over the past couple of weeks, came to an exciting conclusion on Thursday.

The Round of 16 action will begin with Australia facing Indonesia at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday, but with the dust just settling after the group fixtures, join the-AFC.com as we review the group stage of the continental showpiece by taking a closer look at some of the key facts and stats that caught the eye.

Fans make their mark as teams bid farewell

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Fans make their mark as teams bid farewell

Doha: Eight teams bid farewell to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ following the conclusion of the group stage on Thursday.

While their journey may have ended prematurely, the sides did their best and will - undoubtedly - already be planning to feature in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.
 
Following the eight sides every step of the way in Qatar 2023 were their fans and the-AFC.com pays tribute to the supporters who went to great lengths to push their favourite teams. 

Round of 16 cast finalised

Fri, 26 Jan, 2024

Round of 16 cast finalised

Doha: Indonesia were the final team to check into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 following the conclusion of the group stage on Thursday.

The Southeast Asian side's place was confirmed following the Group F tie between Kyrgyz Republic and Oman ending in a 1-1 draw on Thursday, with Indonesia advancing as one of the four best third-placed teams.
 
It will be Indonesia's first appearance in the knockout stage, with Palestine, Syria and Tajikistan to also feature for the inaugural time.