Malaysia’s Cools excited to face Korea Republic; Jo optimistic

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Malaysia’s Cools excited to face Korea Republic; Jo optimistic

Al Wakrah: Despite Malaysia having already been eliminated, Dion Cools is excited at the prospect of facing Korea Republic in their final AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E match on Thursday.

The Southeast Asian side, however, can expect another tough 90 minutes with Jo Hyeon-woo determined that Korea Republic will bounce back in emphatic fashion following their last gasp draw with Jordan on Matchday Two.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_e__bahrain_1_-_0_malaysia_1.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_e__jordan_2_-_2_korea_republic_1.html

Team spirit is Palestine’s strength, says Al Battat

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Team spirit is Palestine’s strength, says Al Battat

Doha: Team spirit paved the way for Palestine’s progress to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16, said midfielder Mu’sab Al Battat.

The spot was sealed after a 3-0 win over Hong Kong, China on Tuesday meant Palestine were assured of advancing as one of the best four third-placed teams.

Not only was it their first ever win at the continental showpiece but it also meant qualifying for the knockout stage at the third time of trying, with Al Battat delivering a captain’s performance at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium by assisting two of the goals.

Uzbekistan on course to match the best, says Masharipov

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Uzbekistan on course to match the best, says Masharipov

Al Wakrah: Jaloliddin Masharipov is confident Uzbekistan can further establish themselves among Asia’s elite after picking up a 1-1 draw with Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday to confirm their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as Group B runners-up.

Masharipov was introduced from the bench with the Central Asians trailing to a first half Martin Boyle penalty and the winger delivered the cross from which Azizbek Turgenboev headed in his side’s equaliser 12 minutes from time.

The point guaranteed Uzbekistan finished second behind the Australians and Srecko Katanec’s side will take on the runners-up in Group F in the next round of the continental championship next week.

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei calls for patience, Costa pleased with UAE progress

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei calls for patience, Costa pleased with UAE progress

Al Rayyan: Players, fans and the media should not get carried away after Islamic Republic of Iran finished Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with the maximum nine points, according to head coach Amir Ghalenoei.

Team Melli sealed a third win in a row, beating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 at Education City Stadium on Tuesday to top the group. Goals from Mehdi Taremi either side of the break put Iran in the driving seat, while an injury time strike from Yahya Al Ghassani halved the deficit and saw the UAE accompany their opponents into the knockout stage.

Cuper: A dream come true for Syria

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Cuper: A dream come true for Syria

Al Khor: Hector Cuper described Syria’s historic 1-0 victory over India in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie on Tuesday as "a dream come true".

The win confirmed Syria’s place in the Round of 16, marking the first-ever entry for the Qasioun Eagles into the knockout stage of the continental showpiece.