Matchday Two: 5 things to look out for

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Matchday Two: 5 things to look out for

Doha: The opening round of fixtures at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ did not disappoint and the continental competition now moves swiftly onto Matchday Two. 

Several sides will be looking to book an early ticket to the Round of 16 while others aim to ensure they head into the final set of group stage matches with their qualification hopes still alive. 
 
With 12 games to be played across Qatar in the days ahead, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for. 

Flashback: Syria and Australia's clash for the ages

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Flashback: Syria and Australia's clash for the ages

Doha: When Australia and Syria meet on Matchday Two of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday, memories will come flooding back to when the pair faced off in a thrilling two-legged encounter in late-2017 with qualification to the FIFA World Cup in Russia the following year on the line.

Syria’s late surge to advance to the global showpiece had generated headlines around the world as they finished above Uzbekistan, China PR and Qatar in their qualification group to book an Asian Playoff showdown with FIFA World Cup regulars Australia. 
 
The two sides knew victory would take them within one match – an Inter-Confederation Playoff against Honduras – of a place in Russia and what played out was a contest that lives long in the memory. 

Mancini credits substitutes for Saudi win, Ivankovic hails Oman fighting spirit

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Mancini credits substitutes for Saudi win, Ivankovic hails Oman fighting spirit

Doha: Head coach Roberto Mancini credited his substitute players with Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 come from behind win over Oman in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F match on Tuesday.

Oman had taken the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour thanks to a Salah Al Yahyaei penalty, and remained in front until the final 15 minutes when winger Abdulrahman Ghareeb came off the bench to score the equaliser then deliver the cross from the corner which resulted in Ali Al Bulayhi’s winner deep in added time.

Potent Thailand delight Ishii

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Potent Thailand delight Ishii

Doha: Masatada Ishii praised his attack-minded players after Thailand registered an impressive 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F match on Tuesday.

The win means Thailand are the early leaders, ahead of Saudi Arabia who defeated Oman 2-1, with Tuesday’s win at the Abdullah Khalifa Stadium the first time the Southeast Asian side have won their opening AFC Asian Cup™ match in eight attempts.

Son hoping to make return to Qatar "a special event"

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Son hoping to make return to Qatar "a special event"

Doha: Qatar already holds a special place in the career of Son Heung-min, and the Korea Republic captain has his sights set on making more history over the coming month in the Gulf nation at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Al Gharafa Stadium was the scene for a landmark moment in the Tottenham Hotspur striker’s ascent to the summit of the game, as the 18-year-old Son stepped off the bench to score in his nation’s 4-1 win over India in the 2011 edition of the continental championship.
 
That goal – scored almost 13 years ago - was Son’s first at senior international level and started a rise that has seen him establish himself among Asia’s elite, scoring a total of 41 times in 118 matches for the Taeguk Warriors.

Matchday One in Numbers

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Matchday One in Numbers

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is now well and truly underway with all 24 participating nations having played a match each in the group stage of the 18th edition of the tournament and giving the fans plenty to talk about across five days of exhilarating action. 

From the spectacular curtain-raiser between hosts Qatar and Lebanon on Friday to Saudi Arabia’s dramatic late win against Oman on Tuesday, 12 matches across six groups saw 37 goals and 10 wins, so join the-AFC.com as we review Matchday One with a closer look at the facts and stats that caught the eye. 

Fans light up Qatar 2023

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Fans light up Qatar 2023

Doha: Matchday One of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ witnessed thrilling action, sensational goals and heartbreak and cheering on the players from the stands were their faithful fans.

Some went to great lengths to show their support as the 24 teams took their first step towards possible continental glory.
 
The fans have contributed tremendously to the festive air that has enveloped Qatar 2023 and the-AFC.com presents just some who have lit up the stadiums. 

Social Wrap: #AsianCup2023 kicks off in style

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Social Wrap: #AsianCup2023 kicks off in style

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ got off to a fantastic start with an eye-catching opening ceremony at the iconic Lusail Stadium on Friday.

And the action on the pitch has been delivering the goods, too, with exciting matches and great goals ensuring the five-year wait for the continental competition to return has been well worth it.
 
A glimpse behind the scenes, post-match thoughts, training ground routines and a birthday boy all feature as the-AFC.com takes a look at the social media channels of those involved.