Kapadze pleased with Uzbekistan’s winning start; Malaysia’s Garrido stays positive

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Kapadze pleased with Uzbekistan’s winning start; Malaysia’s Garrido stays positive

Doha: Timur Kapadze was pleased to see his Uzbekistan side pass their first test at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ following a 2-0 win over Malaysia on Wednesday.

Strikes from Jasurbek Jaloliddinov and Ulugbek Khoshimov helped the former champions take a big step towards the knockout stage with Kapadze satisfied despite Uzbekistan not firing on all cylinders. 

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Group D: Uzbekistan 2-0 Malaysia

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Group D: Uzbekistan 2-0 Malaysia

Doha: Uzbekistan secured a positive start to life in Group D of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ with a 2-0 win over Malaysia at Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday.

Malaysia kept the game tight for long periods but 2018 champions Uzbekistan’s clinical finishing proved to be the difference in a tie of limited chances.

Group D: Vietnam 3-1 Kuwait

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Group D: Vietnam 3-1 Kuwait

Al Wakrah: Vietnam kicked off their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ Group D campaign in style, defeating Kuwait 3-1 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday. 

The 2018 runners-up took full advantage of Kuwait going a man down in the 31st minute to claim the three points although they too ended the tie a player down.

Saudi Arabia's Al Shehri taking it step by step; Tajikistan’s Ergashev rues defensive errors

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi Arabia's Al Shehri taking it step by step; Tajikistan’s Ergashev rues defensive errors

Doha: Head coach Saad Al Shehri was pleased that his Saudi Arabia side got off to a positive start in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ as he hopes to see his team grow into the tournament.

Rayan Hameed, Haitham Asiri and a brace from Aiman Yahya secured the defending champions a 4-2 win over Tajikistan with Al Shehri adamant that the best is yet to come from the West Asian side.

Ithsara lauds Thailand display, Shenaishil seeks Iraq response

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Ithsara lauds Thailand display, Shenaishil seeks Iraq response

Al Wakrah: Thailand head coach Ithsara Sritharo was left in admiration of his team's efforts after leading them to victory against Iraq on Tuesday in their opening match at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™.

The Southeast Asian side had only picked up two wins from their previous four campaigns combined but they turned in an impressive display to defeat the 2013 winners at the Al Janoub Stadium in their Group C encounter.
 
After Waris Choolthong put them ahead in the 26th minute, Thailand held the Iraqis off with a rugged defensive display before adding a second in the 65th minute through Teerasak Poeiphimai. While their opponents kept probing, Ithsara praised the way his team saw the game out. 

Hwang proud of Korea Republic’s persistence; UAE’s discipline pleases Broli

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Hwang proud of Korea Republic’s persistence; UAE’s discipline pleases Broli

Doha: Head coach Hwang Sun-hong praised Korea Republic for sticking to the game plan in their intense AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ Group B opener against United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. 

The 2020 champions, with over 70 percent possession and 16 shots in total, struggled to breach UAE's defence until Lee Young-jun's dramatic header in added time clinched the victory.

Fujita: Patience took Japan past China PR

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Fujita: Patience took Japan past China PR

Doha: Captain Joel Chima Fujita admitted Japan had to take a measured approach in their 1-0 win over China PR after Ryuyu Nishio’s early sending off put the young Samurai Blue at risk of defeat in their opening Group B clash in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Tuesday.

The St-Truiden midfielder was instrumental to the success of Go Oiwa’s side at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium alongside goal scorer Kuryu Matsuki after Nishio’s 17th minute expulsion forced the Japanese into a tactical rejig.
 
Matsuki had started the game in a more advanced role but, with central defender Nishio dismissed for lashing out at China PR’s Jia Feifan, Oiwa replaced Rihito Yamamoto with defender Seiji Kimura and the Japanese took a more conservative approach as a result.

Al Ain stun Al Hilal in classic

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Al Ain stun Al Hilal in classic

Al Ain: Al Ain inflicted a 4-2 defeat against Al Hilal in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

The Saudi powerhouse came into the game off the back of a world record 34-match winning run, but Al Ain head coach Hernan Crespo guided his side over the team that had beaten his Al Duhail side 7-0 at the same stage last season.

Late drama sees Abdysh-Ata, Mariners settling for stalemate

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Late drama sees Abdysh-Ata, Mariners settling for stalemate

Bishkek: A dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Magamed Uzdenov saw FK Abdysh-Ata Kant of Kyrgyz Republic rescue a 1-1 draw against Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Inter-Zone final at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Wednesday.

After a goalless first half, Brian Kaltak headed home to give the visitors the breakthrough against the run of play in the 81st minute, but Abdysh-Ata restored parity in the third minute of added time to set up an exciting second leg in Gosford next week.