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.

Group F: Saudi Arabia 2-1 Oman

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Group F: Saudi Arabia 2-1 Oman

Doha: Goals from Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Ali Al Bulayhi earned Saudi Arabia a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Oman in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.

Oman led for over an hour of the match, but a late resurgence from the Saudis secured their first three points.

Group F: Thailand 2-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Group F: Thailand 2-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Doha: Supachai Chaided struck twice as Thailand defeated Kyrgyz Republic 2-0 in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F tie on Tuesday. 

Having seen their Southeast Asian rivals Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam suffer opening match defeats, Thailand produced a dominant display to take the points at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. 

Preview - Group A: Tajikistan v Qatar

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: Tajikistan v Qatar

Al Khor: Qatar know a win against Tajikistan in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Wednesday could potentially take them through to the Round of 16 with a match to spare.

Friday's 3-0 victory against Lebanon stretched Qatar's AFC Asian Cup winning streak to eight matches - stretching back to their 2019 title triumph - and should the China PR-Lebanon tie end in a draw on Wednesday -  Marquez Lopez's defending champions will be assured of topping Group A. 

Preview - Group A: Lebanon v China PR

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: Lebanon v China PR

Doha: Head coach Miodrag Radulovic admitted that it was the grandeur of the atmosphere at the majestic Lusail Stadium that distracted Lebanon in their 3-0 defeat to Qatar in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opening match last Friday.

Radulovic, however, insisted that Lebanon have already put the setback behind them and are raring to register their first win in the continental showpiece when they play China PR on Wednesday.

Lee cautious despite triumphant start

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Lee cautious despite triumphant start

Doha: Lee Kang-in sought to dampen expectations Korea Republic will finally end their decades-long AFC Asian Cup™ drought in Qatar 2023 despite steering the Taeguk Warriors to an opening 3-1 victory over Bahrain in Group E with a match-winning brace.

Lee lit up the second half at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium with two well-taken goals to deliver the three points for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side as the Koreans kicked off their attempt to win the trophy for the first time since the second of their back-to-back titles in 1960.

Iranians have big dreams, says Jahanbakhsh

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Iranians have big dreams, says Jahanbakhsh

Al Rayyan: Islamic Republic of Iran players are eager to thrive under the pressure of expectations following their winning start to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group C, according to striker Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

The Feyenoord forward set-up Mehdi Ghayedi for the third goal in an emphatic 4-1 victory for Team Melli over Palestine at Education City Stadium on Sunday. Goals from Karim Ansarifard, Shojae Khalilzadeh and Sardar Azmoun rounded off the scoring.

Tamari: Victory over Malaysia a perfect morale booster for Jordan

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Tamari: Victory over Malaysia a perfect morale booster for Jordan

Doha: Player of the Match Mousa Tamari believes Jordan’s 4-0 victory over Malaysia in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 on Monday serves as the perfect boost ahead of their clash against Korea Republic.

Jordan lead the standings on goal difference ahead of the East Asian side, who saw off Bahrain 3-1 earlier on Monday. 

Iraq win delights Casas, Shin sees improvements in Indonesia display

Tue, 16 Jan, 2024

Iraq win delights Casas, Shin sees improvements in Indonesia display

Al Rayyan: Head coach Jesus Casas was full of praise for his Iraq players following their 3-1 win over Indonesia in their opening AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 Group D tie on Monday.

Goals from Mohanad Ali, Osama Rashid and substitute Aymen Hussein earned the Lions of Mesopotamia their first three points of the campaign, while a defensive mistake allowed Marselino Ferdinan to get Team Garuda’s only goal.