Know The Coach - Timur Kapadze (Uzbekistan)

Wed, 01 May, 2024

Know The Coach - Timur Kapadze (Uzbekistan)

Doha: It’s not often that football presents a second chance but for Timur Kapadze, the opportunity has arisen for him to finally lay his hand on the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy.

Two years ago, the 42-year-old led Uzbekistan to the final on home soil, only to be denied the title by Saudi Arabia and Kapadze will seek to make amends when his side face Japan in Friday’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ final at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. 
 
The former midfielder has already etched his name in the annals of Uzbekistan history after guiding them to Olympics qualification but Kapadze is determined to emulate Ravshan Khaydarov, who led the Central Asian side to the AFC U23 Asian Cup title in 2018.

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Know The Coach - Go Oiwa (Japan)

Wed, 01 May, 2024

Know The Coach - Go Oiwa (Japan)

Doha: Go Oiwa has achieved much success since retiring as a player in 2010 and moving into coaching, with the Japanese tactician aiming to add the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ title to his list of achievements.

Having suffered a premature exit two years ago, Oiwa will lead his Young Samurai Blue squad to face Uzbekistan in a mouth-watering AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ final at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday.
 
Oiwa’s side were shown the door by Uzbekistan in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition but Doha has fond memories for the Japanese as this was where they won their only AFc U23 Asian Cup title in 2016.

Road to Final - Uzbekistan

Tue, 30 Apr, 2024

Road to Final - Uzbekistan

Doha: Uzbekistan will be appearing in their third AFC U23 Asian Cup™ final in four editions when they play Japan in the Qatar 2024 decider on Friday.

Timur Kapadze's side have been in scintillating form throughout the tournament as they look to become the first side to lift the trophy twice.
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at Uzbekistan's impressive run to the final.

Road to Final - Japan

Tue, 30 Apr, 2024

Road to Final - Japan

Doha: Japan will face Uzbekistan in the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ final aiming to add to the title they won in Doha in 2016.

Go Oiwa's side endured a challenging route to the final, having been drawn in a tough Group B.
 
The-AFC.com retraces the East Asian's side journey to Friday's decider. 

Preview - 3rd Place Playoff: Iraq v Indonesia

Thu, 02 May, 2024

Preview - 3rd Place Playoff: Iraq v Indonesia

Doha: The third and final automatic berth at the Paris Olympics from the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ will be at stake on Thursday when Iraq and Indonesia face off in the third place playoff.

Iraq are seeking a sixth appearance and a first since 2016, while Indonesia’s sole involvement to date came in 1956 before the Olympics’ men’s football tournament became a U23 affair. The losing team will still have one last shot at making it, via a playoff against Guinea on May 9 in Paris.
 
However, that is not on either side’s minds for now as they look to pick themselves up from stumbling at the semi-finals to get ready for their second chance at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

Rio focused on taking Indonesia to Paris

Wed, 01 May, 2024

Rio focused on taking Indonesia to Paris

Doha: Rio Fahmy will look to repay the faith shown in him by head coach Shin Tae-yong and help steer Indonesia to their first Olympic Games qualification in 68 years when he faces Iraq in the third place playoff at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Thursday.

The winners will join Japan and Uzbekistan as Asia’s three guaranteed qualifiers for the Games in Paris with the defeated nation moving into a one-off playoff against Guinea on May 9, and Fahmy is targeting a successful outing at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium

Mohammed determined to lead Iraq to Olympics

Wed, 01 May, 2024

Mohammed determined to lead Iraq to Olympics

Doha: Iraq captain Muntadher Mohammed returns from suspension to lead his team against Indonesia in the third place playoff at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ determined to make amends for the semi-final loss against Japan and secure a place at the Olympic Games.

Mohammed served a one-match suspension after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament in the 1-0 quarter-final win over Vietnam, but will be available to head coach Radhi Shenaishil for Thursday’s clash against Shin Tae-yong’s side.

Stage set for #U17WAC showdown at Indonesia 2024

Mon, 29 Apr, 2024

Stage set for #U17WAC showdown at Indonesia 2024

Kuala Lumpur: Almost five years after it was last held, the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ will make its highly anticipated return next Monday as eight contenders begin their quest for glory at the ninth edition.

Scheduled to run from May 6 to 19, the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 will take place in idyllic Bali as the Southeast Asian country stages the tournament for the first time.

#AFCCup: Memorable Finals

Tue, 30 Apr, 2024

#AFCCup: Memorable Finals

Doha: After 18 finals which produced 12 different champions representing nine different nations, the AFC Cup™ comes to an end with Al Ahed SC and Central Coast Mariners contesting the 2023-24 final, the last one before the competition makes way for a new AFC Clubs Competitions format.

Over the years, AFC Cup finals saw their fair share of goals, drama and unforgettable celebrations. Ahead of the last AFC Cup final, the-AFC.com looks back at five of the most memorable final showdowns in the history of the competition.

The Deciders: Facts & Figures

Wed, 01 May, 2024

The Deciders: Facts & Figures

Doha: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ is reaching its climax with Japan to play Uzbekistan in the final on Friday.

Iraq and Indonesia, meanwhile, will square off in the playoff for third place on Thursday.
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures ahead of the two matches with both having so much at stake.