UAE well equipped for title tilt

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

UAE well equipped for title tilt

Kuala Lumpur: Semi-finalists in the previous two editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ and having come within a whisker of advancing to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Inter-Confederation Playoff, United Arab Emirates will be confident of impressing at Qatar 2023. 

The squad, consisting of a nice blend of experienced and young players, will relish their chances in Group C with Islamic Republic of Iran, Hong Kong, China and Palestine their opponents.

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Thailand seeking to shine

Wed, 29 Nov, 2023

Thailand seeking to shine

Kuala Lumpur: Thailand have not been able to reproduce their success at the Southeast Asian level on the continental stage and they will be determined to make an impact in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. 

They will, however, have to be at their best to navigate past pre-tournament favourites Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyz Republic and Oman in Group F. 

Tajikistan on learning expedition

Mon, 27 Nov, 2023

Tajikistan on learning expedition

Kuala Lumpur: Tajikistan will be on a learning expedition when they make their AFC Asian Cup™ debut at Qatar 2023. 

The only team that will be making a first appearance at this edition of the continental showpiece, Tajikistan are relishing the opportunity of playing against the best.

Syria engrossed on creating history

Mon, 27 Nov, 2023

Syria engrossed on creating history

Kuala Lumpur: Syria will have to be at their best if they are to advance to the AFC Asian Cup™ knockout stage for the first time.

Drawn in Group B alongside 2015 champions Australia, Uzbekistan and India, Hector Cuper's side know they have to hit the ground running to stand a chance of progression.

Saudi Arabia geared for trophy challenge

Sun, 26 Nov, 2023

Saudi Arabia geared for trophy challenge

Kuala Lumpur: In 10 previous AFC Asian Cup™ appearances, Saudi Arabia have emerged champions thrice and runners-up the same number of times.

However, the last of their titles was won in 1996 while the defeat in the 2007 final to Iraq was followed by group stage exits in the following two editions and a Round of 16 elimination in UAE 2019.

Qatar focused on title defence

Sat, 25 Nov, 2023

Qatar focused on title defence

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar look well equipped to defend their AFC Asian Cup™ title on home soil as Carlos Queiroz continues with his mission to build a side capable of challenging on the world stage. 

Qatar's FIFA World Cup debut last year ended with three defeats and Queiroz, upon his appointment as head coach in February, said his immediate task was to rebuild the team.

Preparation key for Palestine

Thu, 23 Nov, 2023

Preparation key for Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Makram Daboub said he will pay attention to detail after Palestine were drawn in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. 

Set to make only their third appearance in the Finals, Palestine will face three-time champions Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, China in their bid to make the knockout stage for the first time. 

Oman ready to go all the way

Thu, 23 Nov, 2023

Oman ready to go all the way

Kuala Lumpur: Oman will feel they are primed for a best ever AFC Asian Cup™ finish at Qatar 2023 after a recent run of commendable results.

Branko Ivankovic's side have continued from where they left off in a stirring FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign and look well equipped to launch a challenge for the AFC Asian Cup title. 

Malaysia aim to impress

Wed, 22 Nov, 2023

Malaysia aim to impress

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's return to the AFC Asian Cup™ for the first time since they co-hosted the 2007 edition couldn't have resulted in a tougher draw - with Korea Republic, Jordan and Bahrain their Group E challengers.

Head coach Kim Pan-gon and his team, however, are relishing the challenge of taking on three sides who are all ranked way above the Southeast Asian side.

Lebanon eye historic knockout stage spot

Tue, 21 Nov, 2023

Lebanon eye historic knockout stage spot

Kuala Lumpur: Denied a place in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ knockout stage by the slimmest of margins, Lebanon are determined to enjoy an extended run at Qatar 2023. 

The West Asian side lost out to Vietnam on the fairplay rule in 2019 and head coach Nikola Jurcevic's mission will be to ensure Lebanon advance past the group stage for the first time in what will be their third participation on the continental stage.