R16: 5 things to look out for

Sun, 28 Jan, 2024

R16: 5 things to look out for

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ has reached the knockout rounds and 16 teams remain in the race to be crowned champions of the 18th edition of the continental showpiece.

Among them are defending champions Qatar, four-time winners Japan and five other nations who have lifted the prestigious title, while four countries – including debutants Tajikistan – will compete in the Round of 16 for the first time. 
 
Ahead of the eight matches between January 28 and 31, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for. 

Vote for your Best Match of the Group Stage!

Fri, 26 Jan, 2024

Vote for your Best Match of the Group Stage!

Doha: The group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ drew to a close on Thursday as the 16 teams for the knockout rounds were confirmed while eight sides have now been eliminated. 

Incredible late drama, high-scoring matches and several upsets to boot, the opening three matchdays threw up games that will live long in the memory as the 18th edition of the continental competition got underway in style. 
 
With a short break before the Round of 16 kicks off, the-AFC.com looks back on six of the best group stage encounters and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favourite. 

Preview - R16: Tajikistan v UAE

Mon, 29 Jan, 2024

Preview - R16: Tajikistan v UAE

Al Rayyan: Tajikistan may have sealed knockout stage qualification in their debut AFC Asian Cup™ campaign but head coach Petar Segrt said the Central Asian side are not satisfied just yet.

If anything, advancing to the Round of 16 has made Tajikistan even hungrier and, more importantly, placed them on an equal footing with the United Arab Emirates - who they meet on Sunday. 

Preview - R16: Australia v Indonesia

Sun, 28 Jan, 2024

Preview - R16: Australia v Indonesia

Doha: Graham Arnold gave his Australia squad a clean bill of health ahead of the Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 clash with Indonesia at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday with striker Mitchell Duke available for selection.

Duke missed the 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan in the last round of Group B games on Tuesday due to a hamstring strain, but Arnold confirmed the Machida Zelvia forward would be available for his side’s opening match of the knockout rounds.

Fantastic four eye Qatar 2023 glory and unique history

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Fantastic four eye Qatar 2023 glory and unique history

Doha: Heading into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, a quartet of head coaches had the opportunity to not just claim Continental glory but also carve out some special history.

Now, with the dust having settled on the Group Stage on Thursday, the title hopes of Jurgen Klinsmann (Korea Republic), Roberto Mancini (Saudi Arabia), Juan Antonio Pizzi (Bahrain) and Hajime Moriyasu (Japan) remain alive after their respective teams sealed qualification to the Round of 16.

History-maker Haji determined to help Saudi Arabia win fourth title

Fri, 26 Jan, 2024

History-maker Haji determined to help Saudi Arabia win fourth title

Al Rayyan: It was a historic moment for Asian football on Thursday when Saudi Arabia’s Talal Haji etched his name in the record books, becoming the youngest player ever to play in an AFC Asian Cup™ match at the age of 16 years and 131 days. 

Haji took to the stage in Saudi Arabia's Group F fixture against Thailand, which ended in a 0-0 draw at the Education City Stadium.

The talented teenager nearly made an instant impact, rising to meet Nasser Al Dawsari's cross with a header only to be denied a goal by agile Thai goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.

Fans make their mark as teams bid farewell

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Fans make their mark as teams bid farewell

Doha: Eight teams bid farewell to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ following the conclusion of the group stage on Thursday.

While their journey may have ended prematurely, the sides did their best and will - undoubtedly - already be planning to feature in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.
 
Following the eight sides every step of the way in Qatar 2023 were their fans and the-AFC.com pays tribute to the supporters who went to great lengths to push their favourite teams. 

Group Stage in Numbers

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Group Stage in Numbers

Doha: After 36 matches, 87 goals and 16 teams booking their place in the next phase of the competition, the group stage action in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which gave the supporters plenty to talk about over the past couple of weeks, came to an exciting conclusion on Thursday.

The Round of 16 action will begin with Australia facing Indonesia at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday, but with the dust just settling after the group fixtures, join the-AFC.com as we review the group stage of the continental showpiece by taking a closer look at some of the key facts and stats that caught the eye.