News

Saadoon hails Iraq’s strong character

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

Saadoon hails Iraq’s strong character

Doha: Mustafa Saadoon was beaming with joy after Iraq sealed a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ following a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Monday.

It was an eventful match for the Air Force Club player as he was involved in all three goals, winning the first penalty, fouling Haitham Asiri for Saudi Arabia’s equaliser before bundling in the winner with the 21-year-old stressing that the result showed Iraq’s mettle.

Injuries fail to stop Korea Republic against Japan

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

Injuries fail to stop Korea Republic against Japan

Doha:  Korea Republic head coach Hwang Sun-hong revealed his side overcame a growing list of injuries to hand Japan a 1-0 defeat in their final Group B clash at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Monday and set up a quarter-final meeting with Indonesia on Thursday.

Kim Min-soo scored the only goal of the game 15 minutes from time after being introduced as a second-half substitute, with the win confirming the Koreans as Group B winners and setting up an intriguing encounter with Shin Tae-yong’s side.

Tajikistan’s Ergashev steps down; Ithsara sees bright future for Thailand

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

Tajikistan’s Ergashev steps down; Ithsara sees bright future for Thailand

Doha: History was made but head head coach Mubin Ergashev felt no joy as Tajikistan bid farewell to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Monday.

The 1-0 win against Thailand was Tajikistan's first ever victory at the tournament but it wasn't enough to take them through after Iraq stunned defending champions Saudi Arabia 2-1 in their tie, with the two West Asian sides advancing to the quarter-finals.

China PR’s Cheng pleased with positive mentality

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

China PR’s Cheng pleased with positive mentality

Doha: Heading into their final Group B match on Monday, China PR were looking to pick up their first points at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ and also end a five-game losing run in tournament history.

While team morale was not at the optimum following back-to-back defeats against Japan and Korea Republic, Cheng Yaodong’s charges finally delivered with a 2-1 success against the United Arab Emirates at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium to leave their head coach a happy man at full time.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_group_c__saudi_arabia_1_-_2_iraq.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_group_c__thailand_0_-_1_tajikistan.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_group_b__japan_0_-_1_korea_republic.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/photo/group_c_saudi_arabia_v_iraq.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup/video/afcu23_|_group_b__united_arab_emirates_1_-_2_china_pr.html

Group C: Resilient Iraq edge Saudi Arabia for top spot

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

Group C: Resilient Iraq edge Saudi Arabia for top spot

Doha: Iraq completed their turnaround at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia to emerge the Group C winners on Monday. 

A second consecutive win enabled Iraq to overcome an opening defeat to Thailand to finish top on six points with Saudi Arabia also advancing as the runners-up, after Thailand lost 1-0 to Tajikistan in the other game.

Group C: Safarov stars as Tajikistan dash Thailand's hopes

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

Group C: Safarov stars as Tajikistan dash Thailand's hopes

Doha: Manuchehr Safarov’s header in added time secured a 1-0 victory for Tajikistan over Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ tie at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday. 

The win, however, was not enough to take Tajikistan through as they finished third, with Iraq taking top spot after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other Group C tie.  The result meant heartbreak for Thailand as well, with the Southeast Asians having been in prime position to book a spot in the next stage. 

Group B: Winning farewell for China PR

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

Group B: Winning farewell for China PR

Doha: A gritty performance from China PR saw them end their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ campaign on a winning note by defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 on Monday.

The victory was only the East Asians’ second ever win in tournament victory and saw them finish third in Group B ahead of their opponents, with both already eliminated prior to kick-off.