Bahrain’s Alaswad calls for focus ahead of crunch tie against Iraq

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bahrain’s Alaswad calls for focus ahead of crunch tie against Iraq

Hong Kong: Forward Komail Alaswad has urged his Bahrain teammates to forget Thursday’s Asian Qualifiers tie against Hong Kong and focus on their meeting with Iraq.

The West Asian side's failure to convert their chances cost them two points as Hong Kong held on for a goalless draw, a result which prevented Bahrain a share of the Group C leadership.

With Iraq defeating Islamic Republic of Iran 2-1 on Thursday, Bahrain will go into Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying tie two points behind their West Asian rivals.

Katanec: We deserve this victory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Katanec: We deserve this victory

Amman: Iraq head coach Srečko Katanec said that his side deserved their 2-1 win against Islamic Republic of Iran in Group C of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Substitute Ali Abbas’ added-time strike secured the victory for Iraq who took the lead through Mohanad Ali after just 11 minutes before Iran drew level in the 25th minute through Ahmed Nourollahi.

MD5 - Group C: Hong Kong 0-0 Bahrain

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD5 - Group C: Hong Kong 0-0 Bahrain

Hong Kong: Hong Kong earned a share of the spoils against Bahrain on Thursday as a disciplined defensive display saw Mixu Paatelainen’s side frustrate the West Asians to secure a 0-0 draw in their Asian Qualifiers Group C tie at Hong Kong Stadium.

The point earned is only the second picked up by Hong Kong in Group C after an earlier draw with Cambodia and comes against a Bahrain side that went into the game level on seven points with Iraq at the top of the standings.

MD5 - Group C: Iraq 2-1 IR Iran

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

MD5 - Group C: Iraq 2-1 IR Iran

Amman: Substitute Ali Abbas’ added-time strike secured a famous 2-1 victory for Iraq against Islamic Republic of Iran at Amman International Stadium on Matchday Five of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers on Thursday.

Going into the match, the two sides were separated by a single point at the summit of Group C, with Iraq leading the standings with seven points.

But Bahrain’s goalless draw in Hong Kong meant whichever side that won the tie would earn the top spot by the end of matchday.

Malaysia’s Gan, from new father to national hero

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Malaysia’s Gan, from new father to national hero

Kuala Lumpur: Brendan Gan of Malaysia was delighted his sacrifice to leave his newborn son for national duties paid off handsomely when he helped his side defeat Thailand in the Asian Qualifiers on Thursday.

The 31-year-old midfielder sparked a brilliant comeback for Malaysia, who trailed to Chanathip Songkrasin’s early strike, before Gan scored one and assisted the winning goal for Mohamadou Sumareh in the second half.

Renard praises Saudi Arabia talent after win in Uzbekistan

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Renard praises Saudi Arabia talent after win in Uzbekistan

Tashkent: Head coach Hervé Renard has praised both the dedication and talent of his Saudi Arabia players after they twice came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-2 in Group D of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

At a typically atmospheric Pakhtakor Stadium in Tashkent, home favourite Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan the lead on 16 minutes, only to see Salman Al Faraj restore parity from the spot shortly after.

Uzbekistan went ahead for a second time in the 56th minute courtesy of an Otabek Shukurov penalty, before Al Faraj scored his second goal on the night with five minutes remaining and Salem Al Dawsari netted a late winner as Saudi Arabia claimed their second win of the Asian Qualifiers.

Matchday 5: Results & Reports 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Matchday 5: Results & Reports 

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the Asian Qualifiers lived up to expectations with upsets, battling performances and expected victories across the Continent. 

China PR and Islamic Republic of Iran suffered defeats, as did the United Arab Emirates while Korea Republic were held to a goalless draw by a battling Lebanon in Beirut.

Australia and Japan stayed perfect as they both recorded their fourth consecutive wins while Saudi Arabia showed great determination, twice coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan.

Stay with the-AFC.com as we bring you the latest on the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, with Matchday Six coming up on Tuesday.