Player to Watch: Alimardon Shukurov (Kyrgyz Republic)
Kuala Lumpur: Having first qualified for the AFC Asian Cup™ in 2019, Kyrgyz Republic will once again participate in the upcoming edition with Alimardon Shukurov a vital cog in their midfield.
Kuala Lumpur: Son Heung-min will line-up in Qatar for his fourth crack at leading Korea Republic to their first AFC Asian Cup™ title since 1960 in some of the best form of his career.
Kuala Lumpur: Five years ago, Musa Al Taamari was making his first steps in the AFC Cup™ on loan at Jordanian club Al Jazira. Today he has already broken all sorts of records to stake a claim for being the greatest player his country has ever produced.
Kuala Lumpur: Takefusa Kubo burst onto the global football scene with bags of potential and the 22-year-old Japanese winger has been truly delivering on that promise in recent times.
Kuala Lumpur: Strikers from the Islamic Republic of Iran have long had to live in the shadow of those who have gone before them, such is the depth of historic talent to have led the line for Team Melli.
Kuala Lumpur: Just two years after making his international debut, young Ali Al Hamadi has emerged as one of the most exciting Iraqi players in recent times, as the Lions of Mesopotamia prepare to compete at the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023.
Kuala Lumpur: Tenacious and physical with a desire to attack, Indonesia’s right-back Asnawi Mangkualam is a captain who leads by example in his efforts to drive his national team forward.
Kuala Lumpur: Even at the grand old age of 39, India captain Sunil Chhetri continues to shoulder the hopes of an entire nation as he remains the talismanic figure of the Indian national team.
Tokyo: Japan will need to be able to "deal with anything" at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ if they are to win a record fifth title, head coach Hajime Moriyasu has stressed.
Player to Watch: Everton Camargo (Hong Kong, China)
Kuala Lumpur: Since taking over as Hong Kong, China head coach in December 2021 Jorn Andersen has sought to add energy and goals to a team that often lacked an attacking edge; with the integration of Everton Camargo into his squad in September the Norwegian finally has both.
Kuala Lumpur: Wu Lei has been the standout name on the China PR team sheet for a number of years, and with that comes the weight of expectation from a nation that has yet to win the most prestigious prize in Asian football.