SAFF Championship 2023: Preview

Tue, 20 Jun, 2023

SAFF Championship 2023: Preview

Bengaluru: The 14th edition of the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Championship is all set to kick off on Wednesday at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

Hosts India are the reigning champions, having won eight titles at the region's most prestigious international football tournament, and they have impressively reached the final of every edition bar one since the competition’s inception in 1993.
 
However, this time the challenge is likely to be tougher than ever before with fellow AFC Asian Cup™ 2023 participants Lebanon and former continental champions Kuwait making their debut as invitational teams. The-AFC.com looks ahead to the upcoming campaign. 

Queiroz sets clear targets for Qatar

Sat, 17 Jun, 2023

Queiroz sets clear targets for Qatar

Doha: After leading the Islamic Republic of Iran at three consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, Carlos Queiroz is now focused on helping Qatar defend their AFC Asian Cup ™ title and guiding the Gulf state through to the Finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He talks to the-AFC.com about his new role and his plans for the future. 

With a resume like that possessed by Carlos Queiroz it would be tempting to relax a little and wind down towards retirement. But as the Portuguese coach approaches half a century in the game, ambition still burns bright as he settles into his latest job with a renewed sense of purpose.
 
The former Real Madrid and Portugal head coach, who has worked in the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Japan in a globe-trotting career that included two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, celebrated his 70th birthday in March, soon after signing on to replace Felix Sanchez at the helm of the Qatar national team.

Teams set to discover AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ 2024 Qualifiers journey

Mon, 19 Jun, 2023

Teams set to discover AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ 2024 Qualifiers journey

Kuala Lumpur: The path to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ 2024 will be laid out on Thursday, June 22, 2023 when the official draw ceremony for the Qualifiers takes place at 3pm local time at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

A total of 31 teams will be in action from October 7 to 11, 2023 as they vie for the right to make it to the 17th edition of the tournament, with the exact dates to be finalised.

Group B: Qatar 0-0 IR Iran

Tue, 20 Jun, 2023

Group B: Qatar 0-0 IR Iran

Bangkok: Qatar kept their knockout stage hopes alive by holding Islamic Republic of Iran to the first goalless draw of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 on Monday. 

Try as they might, Iran could not breach the Qatari goal due to a stunning performance from goalkeeper Galal Amir Elsharkawy, who kept out a staggering nine shots.
 
The result means Korea Republic have confirmed their spot in the quarter-finals, while Iran only need a draw against the East Asians on Thursday to advance. Qatar must defeat Afghanistan to stand a chance of staying in the competition. 

Group B: Afghanistan 0-4 Korea Republic

Tue, 20 Jun, 2023

Group B: Afghanistan 0-4 Korea Republic

Pathum Thani: Korea Republic flexed their muscles to defeat Afghanistan 4-0 in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 Group B tie at the Pathum Thani Stadium on Monday.

With Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar playing to a goalless draw in the later match, Korea Republic's two wins confirmed their spot in the knockout stage with a game to spare. 

Group C: Saudi Arabia 2-0 Tajikistan

Tue, 20 Jun, 2023

Group C: Saudi Arabia 2-0 Tajikistan

Chonburi: Talal Haji scored twice as Saudi Arabia confirmed their place in the knockout stage of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 after defeating Tajikistan 2-0 at the Chonburi Uta Stadium on Monday.

Having beaten Australia 2-0 on Matchday One, Saudi Arabia are assured of a top two spot after Australia defeated China PR 5-3 in the earlier match on Monday. 
 
Tajikistan, who drew 1-1 with China PR in their first match, have to defeat Australia in their final game if they are to stand a chance of advancing.

Group C: China PR 3-5 Australia

Mon, 19 Jun, 2023

Group C: China PR 3-5 Australia

Chonburi: Australia breathed life into their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 campaign with a thrilling 5-3 win over China PR at the Chonburi Uta Stadium on Monday.

Having lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener, Australia held off a spirited China PR fightback for the win.

China PR, having played to a 1-1 draw with Tajikistan on Matchday One, still have a chance to advance to the knockout stage despite the defeat.