Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: A last gasp Ahmed Khalil penalty ensured host nation the United Arab Emirates a share of the spoils as they drew 1-1 with Bahrain in their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group A opener on Saturday.
With time running out, Khalil impressively held his nerve to convert from 12 yards for the 1996 AFC Asian Cup runners-up after Mohamed Al Rohaimi had given a resilient Bahrain the lead just 10 minutes earlier.
The draw, played out in front of a vocal crowd at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium, sees the regional rivals tied at the top of the Group A standings ahead of Sunday’s match between fellow group hopefuls India and Thailand.
After a cautious opening, it was to be the UAE who threatened first, striker Ali Mabkhout expertly finding Ismail Al Hammadi who raced into the area and fired narrowly wide of Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Shubbar’s far post with six minutes played.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Both India and Thailand are confident of taking all three points when they meet in their AFC Asian Cup Group A opener at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The two teams are making a welcome return to the Continental showpiece, with India last appearing in 2011 and Thailand four years earlier.
Drawn in a group that also includes the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, a win for either India and Thailand will go a long way to boosting their hopes of advancing to the Round of 16, a fact not lost on the head coaches of both teams, who also accept that the opener is going to be far from easy.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sharjah: Palestine and Syria are both equally confident of collecting three points when the sides meet in their AFC Asian Cup Group B opener at the Sharjah Stadium on Sunday.
“Our preparations has been quite exceptional and tomorrow is the first game that will open the door for Palestine football to announce to Asia and world that we’re here,” said Palestine head coach Noureddine Ould Ali.
“It is a very exciting moment for us as we enter the arena with Syria and we look forward to a strong match and fair play. We’re representing our country and we want to make Palestine proud.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Australia coach Graham Arnold has consigned his nation’s AFC Asian Cup victory four years ago to the history books as he prepares to lead the defending champions into their first game of the 2019 edition against Jordan in Al Ain on Sunday.
The Socceroos claimed their first-ever AFC Asian Cup title on home soil in 2015 but, with a rejuvenated squad and a new man at the helm, Arnold was quick to stress he and his players are focused only on what lies ahead.
“That was four years ago, it was in our own nation and it’s a great memory for the Australian public, but in four years many things change in and around the team and also in people’s personal lives,” said Arnold, who took over as Australia coach following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
“It’s a great memory, but we’re totally focused on what’s in front of us. We can’t do anything about the past and what’s in front of us is the Asian Cup. For the players and myself it’s time to get the show started. Everyone’s been talking about it for a long time and we’ve prepared for it and we’re ready.”