IR Iran primed to end long wait

Thu, 16 Nov, 2023

IR Iran primed to end long wait

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will feel that the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is the perfect stage for them to end their wait for a long overdue fourth continental title.

The last of Iran's three titles - won consecutively - was in 1976 with the Central Asian side's best having been semi-final finishes since.

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Iraq ready to go the distance

Wed, 15 Nov, 2023

Iraq ready to go the distance

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Jesus Casas said it will be difficult but not impossible for Iraq to navigate Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, with four-time champions Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam their opponents.

Having overcome tremendous odds to emerge champions in 2007, Iraq's best achievement since then was a semi-final appearance in 2015 but the West Asian side look in good shape to challenge for the Qatar 2023 title. 

Indonesia on a mission to impress

Tue, 14 Nov, 2023

Indonesia on a mission to impress

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Shin Tae-yong believes Indonesia have a decent chance of advancing to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 despite being drawn in a tough Group D.

Shin's confidence stems from his side's ability to advance to the Finals from a difficult qualifying campaign, with Indonesia producing their best in the third round to join the continent's best in Qatar 2023. 

India buoyant despite tough conditions

Mon, 13 Nov, 2023

India buoyant despite tough conditions

Kuala Lumpur: Having been denied a place in the 2019 Round of 16 by the slimmest of margins, India are determined to enjoy an extended run at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

It will, however, not be easy for Igor Stimac's side with all their Group B challengers - Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria - ranked higher than the South Asians. 

Hong Kong, China relishing return to continental stage

Sun, 12 Nov, 2023

Hong Kong, China relishing return to continental stage

Kuala Lumpur: The return of Hong Kong, China to the AFC Asian Cup™ Finals for the first time since in more than five decades couldn't be more challenging.

Jorn Andersen's side were drawn with Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates and Palestine but the head coach said Hong Kong are relishing taking on their Group C opponents. 

China PR out to end long wait for title

Fri, 10 Nov, 2023

China PR out to end long wait for title

Kuala Lumpur: China PR will be seeking to lift the AFC Asian Cup title after twice having finished as runners-up. 

Head coach Aleksandar Jankovic, despite admitting that his team will not have it easy, said China PR will leave no stone unturned in preparing for the tournament with hosts Qatar, Tajikistan and Lebanon awaiting them in Group A.

Bahrain confident of their chances

Fri, 10 Nov, 2023

Bahrain confident of their chances

Kuala Lumpur: Bahrain are optimistic of their knockout stage chances after being drawn in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.  

Assistant coach Ahmed Alamrei described the draw as balanced, expressing confidence that Bahrain had every chance of advancing to the Round of 16 from a group that also consists former winners Korea Republic, Malaysia and Jordan. 

Australia focused on regaining title

Thu, 09 Nov, 2023

Australia focused on regaining title

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ will see 24 teams biddinng to lift the coveted trophy, with seven former champions also in the fray. As the countdown continues, we kick off our series on the cast by taking a look at Australia. 

Champions in 2015, Australia will begin their Group B campaign against India on January 13 with head coach Graham Arnold, in charge for a second successive AFC Asian Cup, said Australia will enter the tournament with the expectation of lifting the coveted trophy again.