Japan ready to impress

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Japan ready to impress

Doha: Japan completed their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ preparations in style after beating Jordan 6-1 in a closed-door friendly match on Tuesday.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu used the opportunity to give his squad playing time with two completely different sets of teams fielded on either side of the break.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Doha: The clock is ticking on towards the start of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023, with the hosts set to take on Lebanon in the opening match at Lusail Stadium on Friday.

As all eyes turn to Doha, the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane to relive five of the most memorable opening matches in the history of the AFC Asian Cup.

Moriyasu's confidence high despite new-look Japan squad

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Moriyasu's confidence high despite new-look Japan squad

Doha: Only 14 players from the 26 that featured in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 remain in Japan's AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 squad but Hajime Moriyasu is confident that a record-extending fifth title is within reach.

Japan head coach Moriyasu admits that he still has lingering fustration from missing out in UAE 2019, with Qatar denying them in the final. 
 
Missing from Japan's squad are some big names but Moriyasu said he has "assembled the best members to win", with the Samurai Blue last having lifted the AFC Asian Cup trophy in 2011.

Ishii challenges Thailand to rise to the occasion

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Ishii challenges Thailand to rise to the occasion

Bangkok: Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii is unperturbed by the absence of Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, saying it is an opportunity for other players to shine. 

Chanathip and Teerasil have been instrumental to Thailand in recent years, having played key roles in the War Elephants’ run into the Round of 16 in the 2019 edition but injuries have ruled both out of Qatar 2023.