Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As teams stepped up their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 with the latest round of friendlies, the-AFC.com roams social media to see what the continent's stars have been up to.
Proud moments, boots drama, milestone celebrations, festive mood and medical updates all feature in our inaugural selection of posts for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 social wrap.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It has been a mixed 12 months for Syria’s Omar Khribin, from losing the 2017 AFC Champions League final, to winning the AFC Player of the Year Award a few days later, to coming within a whisker of reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His next challenge? The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Syria were very close to making the FIFA World Cup for the first time, but they fell in the Continental playoff, with Australia going on to become Asia's fifth representative in Russia 2018. A "golden generation" spearheaded by Khribin and his strike partner Omar Al Somah looks to make amends in UAE 2019.
Nationality: Syria
Date of birth: 15/01/1994
Position: Striker
Current club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Previous clubs: Al Wahda (Syria), Air Force Club, Al Mina’ (Iraq), Al Dhafra (UAE)
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier recalls one of the greatest moments in his career: winning the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in Lebanon.
The vastly-experienced Troussier has a coaching CV that extends back over 35 years and counting.
It includes a runners-up finish at the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup, an historic Round of 16 place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup but the continental title he won in Asia remains one of the most glorious memories.
The 63-year-old Parisian joined the-AFC.com for an exclusive look back to his crowning achievement as a coach.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Ever since the retirement of legend Ali Al Nono, Ala Al Sasi has taken the mantle as Yemen’s undisputed talisman. With a decade of experience behind him, the midfielder finally led his nation to their first ever AFC Asian Cup.
Yemen made history earlier this year, qualifying to the AFC Asian Cup for the first time ever, joining Kyrgyz Republic and the Philippines as the three debutants in the UAE 2019.
Their journey hasn’t been an easy one; after finishing bottom of their group in the second round, Yemen had to go through a two-legged play-off against the Maldives which they won 4-0 on aggregate to advance to the third round.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Islamic Republic of Iran moved up one rung to 29 to remain Asia’s top team in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Thursday.
The top five remained unchanged with Australia as Asia's second best team, moving one spot up to 41st while Japan are third at 50th.
Korea Republic are 53rd, and are the continent's fourth best ranked team.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: In the absence of 2018 AFC Cup top scorer An Il-bom, attacker Jong Il-gwan remains DPR Korea's key attacking outlet in their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign.
DPR Korea qualified to the AFC Asian Cup for the third time in a row, finishing second behind Lebanon in their qualifiers group, but they remain without a win in the Finals since 1980. Key to their chances of getting a first victory in the UAE will be leading scorer Jong Il-gwan.
Nationality: DPR Korea
Date of birth: 30/10/1992
Position: Forward
Current club: Free Agent
Previous clubs: Rimyongsu (DPR Korea), FC Luzern, FC Wil (both Switzerland)
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeonju: Precociously talented Korea Republic defender Kim Min-jae has eyes on continuing his successful 2018 season into the new year at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
It's fair to say that Kim's first two-years of his professional career in top flight football have been on an upward curve.
In 2017, his debut season in the K-League 1, the physically imposing centre-back won the league title with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, was named K-League Young Player of the Year and named in the K-League Best XI.