Final - Preview: Iraq v Oman

Tue, 17 Jan, 2023

Final - Preview: Iraq v Oman

Basra: The 25th Gulf Cup comes full circle as Iraq look to lift their first title since 1988 when they face two-time winners Oman in the final on home soil on Thursday, the same fixture that started the tournament two weeks ago.

The Lions of Mesopotamia reached the final after defeating reigning AFC Asian Cup™ champions Qatar 2-1 in Monday’s semi-final at the Basra International Stadium, venue of the upcoming final. Ibrahim Bayesh’s close-range finish was cancelled out by Amro Sirag’s half-volley before Ayman Hussein bagged his third goal of the tournament to secure Iraq’s place in the final.
 
In turn, Oman left it late to defeat reigning champions Bahrain 1-0 thanks to a Jameel Al Yahmadi wonder goal. The midfielder pounced on a loose ball to strike from 25 yards out into the top corner, sending Branko Ivankovic’s men into their second final in six years.

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Coaches applaud players after Iraq, Oman set up decider

Tue, 17 Jan, 2023

Coaches applaud players after Iraq, Oman set up decider

Basra: The head coaches of Iraq and Oman hailed their players after the teams reached the 2023 Gulf Cup final on Monday.

Iraq defeated Qatar 2-1 in their last four tie while Oman dethroned Bahrain with a 1-0 win to advance to Thursday's final.
 
Iraq will be seeking a fourth title while Oman will be looking to complete a hat-trick when the two teams square off at the Basra International Stadium.

Qatar 2022 disappointment fuelling Mitoma's improvement

Wed, 18 Jan, 2023

Qatar 2022 disappointment fuelling Mitoma's improvement

Brighton and Hove: Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma is establishing himself as one of Asian football’s leading exports to Europe with a standout season in the English Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion. 

In the aftermath of Japan’s penalty shootout exit from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Mitoma has been true to his word.
 
The Brighton & Hove Albion winger was left heartbroken when his spotkick was saved by goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic as Croatia ended the Samurai Blue’s dreams of a first-ever quarter-final appearance.

Barrow, Kim leave Jeonbuk

Wed, 18 Jan, 2023

Barrow, Kim leave Jeonbuk

Jeonju: Two-time AFC Champions League™ winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have announced the departure of Kim Bo-kyung and Modou Barrow ahead of the start of the new K1 League season.

Kim, who represented Korea Republic at international level on 38 occasions, was a member of the Jeonbuk squad that won the second of the club’s two continental titles in 2016 during the first of his two spells with the set-up. 

Norwegian defender Hoibraten joins Urawa

Wed, 18 Jan, 2023

Norwegian defender Hoibraten joins Urawa

Tokyo: Norwegian defender Marius Hoibraten will join AFC Champions League™ 2022 finalists Urawa Red Diamonds pending the completion of a medical, the Japanese club announced on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old will sign for the two-time AFC Champions League winners from Bodo/Glimt, where he won the Norwegian league title in 2020 and 2021.

Europe Wrap: Kerr strikes late; Kubo stars for Sociedad

Mon, 16 Jan, 2023

Europe Wrap: Kerr strikes late; Kubo stars for Sociedad

Kuala Lumpur: Sam Kerr scored an 89th-minute equaliser to help Chelsea rescue a point in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday as the Blues remain three points clear of the Gunners at the top of the Women’s Super League in England. 

Takefusa Kubo was on the scoresheet as Real Sociedad defeated city rivals Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in Spain to move within three points of second-placed Real Madrid, while his Japanese teammate Daizen Maeda netted as Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2-0 in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals. 
 
Elsewhere, Kim Min-jae was part of the Napoli side that posted a stunning 5-1 win over Juventus to move nine points clear at the top of Serie A, while Mehdi Taremi scored in a win for Porto in Portugal. 
 
Join the-AFC.com as we wrap up the action from around Europe.