Qatar 2023 set for kick-off

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Qatar 2023 set for kick-off

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 is all set to take off with most of the 24 teams having already checked in for the continental showpiece. 

Exciting is building with the 18th edition of the tournament to kick off with the opening match between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium on Friday.
 
To be hosted by Qatar for the third time, AFC Asian Cup fever can be felt across the country, with the 51 matches to be played in nine stadiums.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/photo/qatar_2023_set_for_kick_off_2.html

Shaikh Salman hails AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as a tournament of ‘firsts’

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Shaikh Salman hails AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as a tournament of ‘firsts’

Doha: As the attention of world football descends upon Doha for a record third time in the history of the AFC Asian Cup™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has conveyed his best wishes to Asia’s top 24 teams and applauded the spirit of innovation and resilience exemplified by the Asian football family.

Ahead of Friday’s opener between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium, Shaikh Salman said: “I know our teams, players and the hundreds of millions of passionate fans across the globe have been waiting eagerly and we are now in touching distance of hosting our best-ever men’s showpiece in Asian football history.

5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Doha: The clock is ticking on towards the start of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023, with the hosts set to take on Lebanon in the opening match at Lusail Stadium on Friday.

As all eyes turn to Doha, the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane to relive five of the most memorable opening matches in the history of the AFC Asian Cup.

5 of the Best: Goal Threats

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Goal Threats

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ promises plenty of goals as Qatar is set to host 51 thrilling matches in the continental showpiece, starting with the curtain raiser between the hosts and Lebanon on Friday and culminating in the final on February 10. 

The tournament, first played in 1956, has over the years witnessed plenty of incredible attackers – be it Islamic Republic of Iran legend Ali Daei in 1996, Iraq's inspirational leader Younis Mahmoud in 2007 or Almoez Ali who guided Qatar to their very first Asian crown in 2019. 
 
The 18th edition of the tournament is also not short of attacking talent who will try to make an indelible mark in Asia, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five individuals who could prove to be the biggest goal threats at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. 

Al Ghamdi determined to propel Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2023

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Al Ghamdi determined to propel Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2023

Doha: Midfielder Faisal Al Ghamdi is setting his sights on helping Saudi Arabia make a deep run into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as the three-time champions look to claim the continental title for the first time since 1996.

Buoyed by their performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, when the Saudis secured a famous win over eventual champions Argentina in their opening game of the tournament, Al Ghamdi believes the Green Falcons can have a significant impact over the coming month.

Arnold firmly believes in Australia’s chances

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Arnold firmly believes in Australia’s chances

Doha: Head coach Graham Arnold is confident Australia can mount a serious challenge for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ title.

The Socceroos concluded their preparations in Abu Dhabi with a 2-0 win over Bahrain in a friendly on Saturday and have their eyes firmly set on a second AFC Asian Cup title, having emerged champions on home soil in 2015.

Resilient Malaysia please Kim

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Resilient Malaysia please Kim

Doha: Head coach Kim Pan-gon described Malaysia’s 2-2 draw with Syria in an international friendly match on Monday as a morale booster heading into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Having taken the lead just before half-time, World No 130 Malaysia found themselves pegged back by Syria with the Southeast Asian side then salvaging a share of the spoils through Paulo Josue’s effort 12 minutes from time at Al Arabi Sports Club.

Moriyasu's confidence high despite new-look Japan squad

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Moriyasu's confidence high despite new-look Japan squad

Doha: Only 14 players from the 26 that featured in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 remain in Japan's AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 squad but Hajime Moriyasu is confident that a record-extending fifth title is within reach.

Japan head coach Moriyasu admits that he still has lingering fustration from missing out in UAE 2019, with Qatar denying them in the final. 
 
Missing from Japan's squad are some big names but Moriyasu said he has "assembled the best members to win", with the Samurai Blue last having lifted the AFC Asian Cup trophy in 2011.

Ishii challenges Thailand to rise to the occasion

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Ishii challenges Thailand to rise to the occasion

Bangkok: Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii is unperturbed by the absence of Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, saying it is an opportunity for other players to shine. 

Chanathip and Teerasil have been instrumental to Thailand in recent years, having played key roles in the War Elephants’ run into the Round of 16 in the 2019 edition but injuries have ruled both out of Qatar 2023.