Matchday One in Numbers

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Matchday One in Numbers

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is now well and truly underway with all 24 participating nations having played a match each in the group stage of the 18th edition of the tournament and giving the fans plenty to talk about across five days of exhilarating action. 

From the spectacular curtain-raiser between hosts Qatar and Lebanon on Friday to Saudi Arabia’s dramatic late win against Oman on Tuesday, 12 matches across six groups saw 37 goals and 10 wins, so join the-AFC.com as we review Matchday One with a closer look at the facts and stats that caught the eye. 

Fans light up Qatar 2023

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Fans light up Qatar 2023

Doha: Matchday One of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ witnessed thrilling action, sensational goals and heartbreak and cheering on the players from the stands were their faithful fans.

Some went to great lengths to show their support as the 24 teams took their first step towards possible continental glory.
 
The fans have contributed tremendously to the festive air that has enveloped Qatar 2023 and the-AFC.com presents just some who have lit up the stadiums. 

Social Wrap: #AsianCup2023 kicks off in style

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Social Wrap: #AsianCup2023 kicks off in style

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ got off to a fantastic start with an eye-catching opening ceremony at the iconic Lusail Stadium on Friday.

And the action on the pitch has been delivering the goods, too, with exciting matches and great goals ensuring the five-year wait for the continental competition to return has been well worth it.
 
A glimpse behind the scenes, post-match thoughts, training ground routines and a birthday boy all feature as the-AFC.com takes a look at the social media channels of those involved.

Group F: Saudi Arabia 2-1 Oman

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Group F: Saudi Arabia 2-1 Oman

Doha: Goals from Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Ali Al Bulayhi earned Saudi Arabia a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Oman in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.

Oman led for over an hour of the match, but a late resurgence from the Saudis secured their first three points.

Group F: Thailand 2-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Group F: Thailand 2-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Doha: Supachai Chaided struck twice as Thailand defeated Kyrgyz Republic 2-0 in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F tie on Tuesday. 

Having seen their Southeast Asian rivals Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam suffer opening match defeats, Thailand produced a dominant display to take the points at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. 

Preview - Group A: Tajikistan v Qatar

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: Tajikistan v Qatar

Al Khor: Qatar know a win against Tajikistan in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Wednesday could potentially take them through to the Round of 16 with a match to spare.

Friday's 3-0 victory against Lebanon stretched Qatar's AFC Asian Cup winning streak to eight matches - stretching back to their 2019 title triumph - and should the China PR-Lebanon tie end in a draw on Wednesday -  Marquez Lopez's defending champions will be assured of topping Group A. 

Preview - Group A: Lebanon v China PR

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: Lebanon v China PR

Doha: Head coach Miodrag Radulovic admitted that it was the grandeur of the atmosphere at the majestic Lusail Stadium that distracted Lebanon in their 3-0 defeat to Qatar in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opening match last Friday.

Radulovic, however, insisted that Lebanon have already put the setback behind them and are raring to register their first win in the continental showpiece when they play China PR on Wednesday.