Tiredness not a factor for Korea Republic’s Hwang; Al Aswad counting on Bahraini teamwork

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Tiredness not a factor for Korea Republic’s Hwang; Al Aswad counting on Bahraini teamwork

Doha: Hwang Hee Chan has no intention of using fatigue as an excuse when Korea Republic embark on their journey to win their first AFC Asian Cup™ title since 1960 when they take on Bahrain in Group E on Monday.

Komail Alaswad, meanwhile, wants his Bahrain side to relish the challenge of facing one of Asia’s best and prove themselves worthy of a place in the knockout stage of Qatar 2023.

Group E - Korea Republic v Bahrain: Facts & Figures

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Group E - Korea Republic v Bahrain: Facts & Figures

Doha: Korea Republic will expect to start with a win when they play Bahrain in the Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Monday.

Bahrain, however, will believe in their chances as they seek a spot in the knockout stage.

Group E - Malaysia v Jordan: Facts & Figures

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Group E - Malaysia v Jordan: Facts & Figures

Doha: Malaysia and Jordan are set for an exciting clash when they meet in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Monday.

Both are targeting extended runs, setting the stage for blockbuster affair. 

Malaysia’s Davies has high expectations; Haddad wants Jordan to remain grounded

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Malaysia’s Davies has high expectations; Haddad wants Jordan to remain grounded

Al Wakrah: Mathew Davies expects Malaysia to produce a strong performance when they take on Jordan in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 Group E tie at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday.

Jordan’s Ehsan Haddad, however, said his team will adopt a cautious attitude despite having the psychological advantage of winning their last two encounters against the Southeast Asian side.

Group D - Indonesia v Iraq: Facts & Figures

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Group D - Indonesia v Iraq: Facts & Figures

Doha: Indonesia and Iraq will seek a winning start when they square off in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Monday.

Iraq, the 2007 champions, will be braced for a tough test from a side determined to make an impact on the continental stage.

Iraq’s Rashid wary of Indonesia, Mangkualam ready for the challenge

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Iraq’s Rashid wary of Indonesia, Mangkualam ready for the challenge

Doha: Iraq midfielder Osama Rashid warned his side against the threat of Indonesia’s attack ahead of the two teams’ AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group D clash at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday.

The Lions of Mesopotamia had run riot in a 5-1 triumph over their upcoming opponents two months ago in the Preliminary Joint Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, but Rashid believes the task will not be as easy this time around.

Al Haydos warns Qatar against complacency

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Al Haydos warns Qatar against complacency

Lusail: Qatar’s defence of their AFC Asian Cup™ title may have gotten off to a strong start but captain Hassan Al Haydos doesn’t want his team to take things for granted.

Akram Afif scored a brace with Almoez Ali netting one in the win over Lebanon on Friday as Qatar took the early lead in Group A but Al Haydos said there is still much to do.  

Lebanon undeterred by opening defeat

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Lebanon undeterred by opening defeat

Doha: Maher Sabra felt Lebanon’s 3-0 defeat to Qatar in Friday’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opening match did not do justice to the valiant performance the Cedars produced at the Lusail Stadium. 

The Miodrag Radulovic-led Lebanon held their own in the first half but came undone just before the break as Akram Afif scored the first of his two goals.  

Absent Dzhalilov the happiest man on earth, says Tajikistan’s Segrt after China PR draw

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Absent Dzhalilov the happiest man on earth, says Tajikistan’s Segrt after China PR draw

Doha: Tajikistan head coach Petar Segrt believes striker Manuchekhr Dzhalilov will have been the happiest man on earth despite not taking part in the nation collecting their first-ever AFC Asian Cup™ point in a 0-0 draw with China PR on Saturday.

The Tajiks dominated play for long spells of the game at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium and were closer to opening the scoring against China on multiple occasions on their continental debut, eventually walking away with the points shared with their Group A rivals.

Cuper pleased with Syria’s resilience; Katanec rues missed chances

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Cuper pleased with Syria’s resilience; Katanec rues missed chances

Al Rayyan: Syria head coach Hector Cuper was pleased with his charges despite their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie against Uzbekistan ending in a goalless draw on Saturday.

Satisfied with a point from their opening match, the Argentine is convinced that the draw will inject his team with fresh self-belief ahead of their remaining clashes.

We have to improve, says Australia’s Arnold

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

We have to improve, says Australia’s Arnold

Al Rayyan: Graham Arnold admitted Australia have to improve despite opening their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign with a 2-0 win over India on Saturday.

Having been frustrated by India’s resilient defending and their own inability to put away chances, second half goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos finally secured Australia the points and the early lead in Group B, with Uzbekistan and Syria settling for a goalless draw in the other tie.