Al Bayt Stadium, a 60,000-capacity arena that takes its name and shape from the traditional tents used by nomadic peoples in the Gulf region, will be the stage for hosts Qatar to kick off the tournament on Monday 21 November 2022 at 13:00 local time (UTC +3).

The local kick-off times for group matches have been set for 13:00, 16:00, 19:00 and 22:00, with the simultaneous kick-offs for the last round of group games and knockout-stage timings being 18:00 and 22:00.

Khalifa International Stadium will be the setting for the playoff for third place on December 17. The final will kick off one day later at 18:00 at Lusail Stadium in front of an 80,000 crowd.

In the 64-year history of the tournament, only 16 men have won the AFC Asian Cup as a head coach, with countless other talented tacticians trying, and failing, to get their hands on Asian football’s greatest prize.

A record of 168 caps and still counting for Shafi puts him just behind another Asian Icon, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al Deayea (178) and Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon (174) as the sport’s most capped goalkeepers of all-time.

Throughout an 18-year international career, Shafi was a centrepiece to every single major achievement for his nation and despite his advanced years, he remains an automatic first pick between the sticks for coach Vital Borkelmans and continues to grow in influence as Al Nashama's revered captain.

It’s more than five years since Australia won their first AFC Asian Cup title, but the man who guided the Socceroos to their inaugural continental crown has yet to take the time to sit back and watch his side’s victory over Korea Republic in the final.

To select the candidates for each position, we have reflected on match data from the tournament to draw up a statistics-based approach to present the outstanding performers.

We begin with five candidates for the all-important number one shirt. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite goalkeeper to helm the rearguard for this all-star XI in the poll below.

Over the last two weeks, Asia’s football fans have come together to celebrate the continent’s outstanding FIFA World Cup goals

Tens of thousands of football lovers voted them in, now, which goal will emerge from the Final as Asia’s greatest? From an initial list of 20 semi-finalists, 10 special goals remain, and the choice is in your hands.

As we marvel at some of Asia’s all-time greats, and their unforgettable moments on the biggest stage of all, make sure to cast your vote.

We shine the '5 of the Best' spotlight on a handful of aesthetically pleasing curling efforts that have sailed beyond outstretched goalkeepers and into the back of the net. Once you've reviewed our trip down memory lane, don;t forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks and last-minute winners.