Group A: China PR 0-0 Tajikistan

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Group A: China PR 0-0 Tajikistan

Doha: Tajikistan came away from their first-ever AFC Asian Cup™ match with a valuable point after holding China PR to a 0-0 draw at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday.

With Qatar having beaten Lebanon 3-0 in the opening match, the hosts now top Group A, while the debutants from central Asia will be encouraged by their spirited performance against Team Dragon.

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Afif’s thoughts only on Qatar's title defence

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Afif’s thoughts only on Qatar's title defence

Doha: Akram Afif said his focus is on helping Qatar defend their AFC Asian Cup™ title rather than pursuing personal dreams following their 3-0 win over Lebanon on Friday.

Afif scored twice with Almoez Ali contributing the third as the defending champions opened their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A campaign in style at the Lusail Stadium. 

Group B: Australia 2-0 India

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Group B: Australia 2-0 India

Al Rayyan: Australia came alive in the second half to kick off their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with a 2-0 win over India on Saturday.

Having been frustrated in the opening period, goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos secured the points for an Australian side seeking to win the continental title for a second time. 

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Palestine

Mon, 15 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Palestine

Al Rayyan: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei is eyeing a winning start when his side take on Palestine in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opener on Sunday as he returns to the country where he played four decades ago.

The 60-year-old IR Iran boss had previously managed Team Melli in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, but he believes the game in Asia has made huge leaps since the tournament held in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Preview - Group C: UAE v Hong Kong, China

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: UAE v Hong Kong, China

Al Rayyan: Head coach Paulo Bento will warn his United Arab Emirates players against underestimating Hong Kong, China when the two sides meet in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group C tie on Sunday. 

The East Asian team are the lowest ranked side in the competition but Bento said his players must be cautious in their approach. 

Preview - Group D: Japan v Vietnam

Sun, 14 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group D: Japan v Vietnam

Doha: Philippe Troussier will draw inspiration from Japan’s success at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when he leads Vietnam against his old employers in the nations’ intriguing Group D opener in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Sunday.

The Frenchman led the Japanese to the AFC Asian Cup title in Lebanon in 2000 but will go head-to-head against the Samurai Blue for the first time at Al Thumama Stadium aiming to do to what Hajime Moriyasu’s side did against Germany and Spain a little over a year ago.

Hong Kong, China's Yapp eager for action; Eisa confident of UAE’s capabilities

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Hong Kong, China's Yapp eager for action; Eisa confident of UAE’s capabilities

Al Rayyan: Yapp Hung Fai wants Hong Kong, China to make a positive impact in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023, starting with their Group C opener against United Arab Emirates at the Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday.

Khalid Eisa, meanwhile, will have to play a leadership role with the majority of the United Arab Emirates’ players making their tournament debut.

Battat and Palestine raring to go; IR Iran's Ansarifard banks on experience

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Battat and Palestine raring to go; IR Iran's Ansarifard banks on experience

Doha: Palestine captain Musab Battat expressed his pride in taking the players’ oath during the opening ceremony of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 on Friday as his side prepares to take on Islamic Republic of Iran in their first match.

Battat and company start their journey in Group C with a tough clash against the three-time champions, but despite the level of the opponents and the difficult situation back at home, the Palestine captain insisted he and his teammates are raring to go in Qatar 2023.

Japan's Endo determined to disappoint Klopp; Vietnam's Do eyes upset

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Japan's Endo determined to disappoint Klopp; Vietnam's Do eyes upset

Doha: Wataru Endo is hoping to disappoint his club manager Jurgen Klopp with an extended stay at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as he aims to lead Japan to a record-extending fifth continental title.

Liverpool boss Klopp last week declared his desire for the Samurai Blue to exit the competition as early as possible so Endo would return to help the Anfield club’s push for the Premier League title.