Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today confirmed the cast of match officials that will oversee the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which will take place on Friday at the breathtaking Lusail Stadium.

Widely regarded as one of the most established Asian match officials, Alireza Faghani has been appointed to officiate the highly-anticipated Group A fixture between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon, which will kick off at 7pm in the 88,000-capacity venue and officially get the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel underway.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3001184.html

5 of the Best: Group Stage Matches

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Group Stage Matches

Kuala Lumpur: The football world will be watching as the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ kicks off with the hosts and reigning champions Qatar going up against Lebanon at Lusail Stadium on Friday. 

The tournament opener is set to make sure that the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup begins in style and the excitement will only continue to soar as the group stage has thrown up several gripping match-ups to look forward to throughout the remainder of January. 
 
With plenty at stake in each of the 36 group stage fixtures taking place across Qatar between January 12 and 25, the-AFC.com picks out five matches to whet your appetite. 

Japan's veteran football star Endo retires

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Japan's veteran football star Endo retires

Tokyo: Japan's veteran midfielder Yasuhito Endo on Tuesday announced his retirement after 26 years of his career and joined Gamba Osaka as a coach.

"I had a really long and fulfilling 26 years of football life between 1998 and 2023. I never thought I'd play  this long," the 43-year-old said in a video message posted on the club's website.

Qatar 2023 set for kick-off

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Qatar 2023 set for kick-off

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 is all set to take off with most of the 24 teams having already checked in for the continental showpiece. 

Exciting is building with the 18th edition of the tournament to kick off with the opening match between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium on Friday.
 
To be hosted by Qatar for the third time, AFC Asian Cup fever can be felt across the country, with the 51 matches to be played in nine stadiums.

Shaikh Salman hails AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as a tournament of ‘firsts’

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Shaikh Salman hails AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as a tournament of ‘firsts’

Doha: As the attention of world football descends upon Doha for a record third time in the history of the AFC Asian Cup™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has conveyed his best wishes to Asia’s top 24 teams and applauded the spirit of innovation and resilience exemplified by the Asian football family.

Ahead of Friday’s opener between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium, Shaikh Salman said: “I know our teams, players and the hundreds of millions of passionate fans across the globe have been waiting eagerly and we are now in touching distance of hosting our best-ever men’s showpiece in Asian football history.

Arnold firmly believes in Australia’s chances

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Arnold firmly believes in Australia’s chances

Doha: Head coach Graham Arnold is confident Australia can mount a serious challenge for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ title.

The Socceroos concluded their preparations in Abu Dhabi with a 2-0 win over Bahrain in a friendly on Saturday and have their eyes firmly set on a second AFC Asian Cup title, having emerged champions on home soil in 2015.

Resilient Malaysia please Kim

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Resilient Malaysia please Kim

Doha: Head coach Kim Pan-gon described Malaysia’s 2-2 draw with Syria in an international friendly match on Monday as a morale booster heading into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Having taken the lead just before half-time, World No 130 Malaysia found themselves pegged back by Syria with the Southeast Asian side then salvaging a share of the spoils through Paulo Josue’s effort 12 minutes from time at Al Arabi Sports Club.