Learning curve can only benefit Thailand, says Polking

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

Learning curve can only benefit Thailand, says Polking

Namangan: Head coach Alexandre Polking wants Thailand to learn from their 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in their final AFC Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers Group C fixture on Tuesday.

Jaloliddin Masharipov and Azizbek Turgunbaye were on target for Uzbekistan, who topped the group with nine points, while Thailand - with two victories - also advanced to the Continental Finals as one of the five best runners-up.

Šegrt hails Tajikistan for securing historic spot

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

Šegrt hails Tajikistan for securing historic spot

Bishkek: A delighted Petar Šegrt paid tribute to his Tajikistan players and staff after the Central Asian nation clinched their first ever AFC Asian Cup™ qualification on Tuesday.

After results elsewhere in Asia had made their position safe, the Tajiks played out a goalless draw against a Kyrgyz Republic side roared on by 17,340 fans at Dolen Omurazkov, sending both teams through to next year’s Finals.
 
For Tajikistan, that represents the end of a wait stretching back to 1996, where they missed out on that year’s AFC Asian Cup after throwing away a four-goal aggregate lead in a two-match playoff against Uzbekistan.

Sayem credits strong Group B start after Palestine seal berth

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

Sayem credits strong Group B start after Palestine seal berth

Ulaanbaatar: Tamer Seyam said that it was a tough opening-day win over Mongolia in the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers Final Round that laid the foundations for Palestine’s qualification to the continental competition after Tuesday’s 4-0 victory over the Philippines confirmed top spot in Group B.

Palestine went into their Matchday Three encounter against the Southeast Asians needing just a point to secure their ticket to a third successive AFC Asian Cup™ and goals from Saleh Chihadeh and Seyam had them two up at the interval before Mohammed Yamin and Mahmoud Abuwarda added further goals after the restart.

Stimac: India lived up to expectations

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

Stimac: India lived up to expectations

Kolkata: Igor Stimac hailed his team’s continually improving performances throughout the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers Final Round
as India closed out Group D with a 4-0 win over Hong Kong in Kolkata on Tuesday that sealed top spot and a berth at the Finals.

Anwar Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Glan Martins and Ishan Pandita were all on target as the hosts claimed a third consecutive victory to finish on top of the standings with maximum points ahead of Hong Kong as both teams secured tickets for the Finals.

Kim dedicates qualification to Malaysian fans, Bahrain's Sousa already planning for Finals

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

Kim dedicates qualification to Malaysian fans, Bahrain's Sousa already planning for Finals

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Kim Pan Gon congratulated his players and dedicated Malaysia's AFC Asian Cup 2023™ qualification to the team's fans.

Malaysia went into their Matchday Three AFC Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers Final Round Group E tie against Bangladesh on Tuesday knowing a win would confirm their first appearance in the Continental showpiece since 2007 and promptly cruised to a 4-1 win.

The victory also meant Malaysia qualified for the AFC Asian Cup on merit for the first time since the 1980 edition and Kim was proud that his team had delivered.

AFC President congratulates Asian teams as AFC Asian Cup 2023™ cast finalised

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

AFC President congratulates Asian teams as AFC Asian Cup 2023™ cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the 11 Asian sides who sealed their places at the Continent’s pinnacle national team stage following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers Final Round on Tuesday.

The road to the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel commenced on June 6, 2019, in Mongolia and Tuesday’s thrilling action, which culminated in Kuwait, brought to a close a qualification journey spanning more than three years.