Al Haydos: Unity driving Maroons' title defence

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Al Haydos: Unity driving Maroons' title defence

Doha: Hassan Al Haydos believes the outpouring of joy from his teammates after his spectacular volleyed winner against China PR at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday is a sign of the togetherness uniting the Qatar squad as they look to defend their AFC Asian Cup™ title.

The veteran midfielder was thrown into the air by his fellow players having scored a goal-of-the-tournament contender in the 66th minute from more than 20 yards that ensured the Maroons advanced to the Round of 16 with a perfect record as Group A winners.

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China PR frustrate Jankovic; Qatar's understudies please Lopez

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

China PR frustrate Jankovic; Qatar's understudies please Lopez

Doha: Aleksandar Jankovic was left frustrated by China PR’s failure to score for a third AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A match in a row as a 1-0 defeat at the hands of defending champions Qatar on Monday left their hopes of a place in the last 16 on a knife-edge.

The loss at Khalifa International Stadium has pushed the Chinese to the cusp of elimination, with Jankovic and his team now awaiting the outcome of the remaining group matches to determine whether they will progress to the next round.
 
With China finishing third in Group A behind winners Qatar and runners-up Tajikistan, the east Asians must now see if India can hold Syria to a goalless draw and Palestine share the points with Hong Kong, China to provide them with a chance of staying in the competition.

Segrt: Mental resilience took Tajikistan through

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Segrt: Mental resilience took Tajikistan through

Doha: Head coach Petar Segrt applauded the mental resilience of his players after Tajikistan came from behind to defeat Lebanon 2-1 in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A tie on Monday.

Victory meant Tajikistan sealed a place in the knockout stage in their debut campaign, with a Round of 16 clash against the Group C runners-up on Sunday their reward. 

Preview - Group B: Australia v Uzbekistan

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group B: Australia v Uzbekistan

Doha: Uzbekistan coach Srecko Katanec has ruled out Sherzod Nasrullaev from his side’s meeting with Australia in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ while Socceroos striker Mitchell Duke will miss the game due to a hamstring injury.

Nasrullaev has not trained since his side’s 3-0 win over India in the previous round and, while Katanec confirmed the defender will not take part in Tuesday’s meeting at Al Janoub Stadium, he remains confident his side will progress to the last 16.

Preview - Group B: Syria v India

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group B: Syria v India

Doha: Igor Stimac is delighted to have a full-strength squad at his disposal for India’s do-or-die AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie against Syria on Tuesday.

The Blue Tigers, already grappling with the absence of key players coming into the tournament, found themselves further hampered by injuries in their first two games but with the likes of midfielder Abdul Samad back in training, the Croat is hopeful of a positive outcome at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v UAE

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v UAE

Doha: Head coach Paulo Bento highlighted intelligent play and humility as qualities his UAE side need if they are to get a result against Islamic Republic of Iran in their third match of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 on Tuesday.

The UAE currently sit second in the group with four points to their name, but a defeat at Education City Stadium and other results going against them could see Bento's men exit the competition in the group stage for the first time since 2011.
 
After a convincing 3-1 win over Hong Kong, China in their opening fixture, the UAE were held to a 1-1 draw against Palestine in a game they finished with 10 men after defender Khalifa Al Hammadi was sent-off in the 37th minute. Bento also received a red card just before the final whistle, meaning he will be suspended for the Iran clash.

Preview - Group C: Hong Kong, China v Palestine

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: Hong Kong, China v Palestine

Doha: Head coach Jorn Andersen wants Hong Kong, China to end their long wait for a win by defeating Palestine when the sides meet in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 Group C on Tuesday.

Hong Kong, who made their tournament debut in 1956, have yet to win an AFC Asian Cup match - a situation Palestine are also in having first appeared on the continental stage in the 2015 edition. 
 
A first win for either side could mean a place in the knockout stage, with Palestine on a point after their draw with United Arab Emirates while Hong Kong lost both their earlier matches.