Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Incheon: Myanmar are seeking their first appearance in the AFC Asian Cup Finals in 50 years while Kyrgyz Republic want a maiden appearance as both sides go head-to-head in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers at the Incheon Football Stadium in Korea Republic on Thursday.
Both teams know the score - a win for Krygyz Republic will mean confirming their berth in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 draw on May 4 while a draw will mean both teams' fates will be decided on Tuesday, the final day of the Qualifiers.
Kyrgyz Republic are second in the group on seven points while Myanmar are two behind. India have already sealed their place as the group winners with 13 points.
Being played in a neutral venue means the tie is finely balanced and both teams will fancy their chances after the corresponding fixture ended 2-2 at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon last October.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/myanmar_training.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pyongyang: DPR Korea are just one point away from the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, at which midfielder Ri Yong-jik is determined to make up for a disappointing 2015 showing – for the Chollima and him personally.
Ahead of DPR Korea's crucial AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifier against Hong Kong on March 27, the-AFC.com spoke exclusively with national team player Ri Yong-jik to get his thoughts on the match and insights into the world of DPR Korea football.
What are your thoughts ahead of the final qualifier against Hong Kong?
We drew 1-1 away from home but had more of the ball and were attacking throughout, and in the end we just lacked a little luck. If we play as we are capable of we shouldn’t have any problems.
Is there a difference playing home and away?
In international football it is really different. At home the stadium is full with 50- or 60,000 fans, and they really get behind us. Speaking honestly, I think it’s the best home atmosphere in the world.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Incheon: Myanmar striker Aung Thu has made an impressive start to the year with Police Tero in the Thai League but will soon turn his attention to international duty with his country two wins away from a place at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
The Southeast Asians first face Kyrgyz Republic in Korea Republic on Thursday. Victory in that match would see them leapfrog their opponents and leave them needing to defeat Macau at home five days later to seal a place at the tournament for the first time since 1968.
Aung Thu, 21, will be hoping to be among the goals again, having started the comeback when Myanmar came from 2-0 down to draw with Kyrgyz Republic in Yangon last October. Ahead of the crucial reverse fixture, the forward speaks exclusively to the-AFC.com about his hopes going into the final two qualification games.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Hong Kong: With their crucial AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifier against DPR Korea just days away, the Hong Kong players reported for training on Monday ahead of a defining week for them.
Hong Kong's task against DPR Korea is clear - they need to win to seal second place in Group B behind Lebanon as the three points will take them above the Koreans on a better head-to-head record.
DPR Korea have eights points ahead of the Matchday Six clash with Hong Kong three points behind. The corresponding tie at the Hong Kong Stadium on June 13, 2017 finished 1-1.
The task, however, won't be easy as DPR Korea are also eyeing a place in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Finals and they are a force to be reckoned with at the Kim II Sung Stadium in Pyongyang.
Group B winners Lebanon left the Kim II Sung Stadium with a share of the spoils after a 2-2 draw and Hong Kong need to do better than that to seal a place in the draw alongside the Continent's top teams. The draw will be held on May 4.