Ma Ning to referee AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Final

Fri, 09 Feb, 2024

Ma Ning to referee AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Final

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that Ma Ning from China PR will take charge of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Final on Saturday, which will be staged at the iconic Lusail Stadium.

Ma will become the first match official from China PR to oversee an AFC Asian Cup™ Final when he blows the whistle at 6pm to kick off the showdown between Jordan and Qatar in the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel.

Experience playing key role in Qatar’s push for title, says Afif

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Experience playing key role in Qatar’s push for title, says Afif

Doha: Qatar’s debut appearance in the FIFA World Cup on home soil just over 13 months ago may have ended in three defeats but the experience gained, believes Akram Afif, is powering their bid to defend the AFC Asian Cup™ title. 

Afif and his teammates moved within one match of lifting the coveted AFC Asian Cup trophy for a second time after a breathtaking 3-2 win over Islamic Republic of Iran in their semi-final on Wednesday, with Qatar showing confidence and composure despite the weight of expectations. 

Hajsafi: Luck not on IR Iran’s side

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Hajsafi: Luck not on IR Iran’s side

Doha: Ehsan Hajsafi blamed luck for Islamic Republic of Iran’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Qatar in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.

Trailing 3-2 with the match in added time, Iran had a couple of opportunities to draw level but luck deserted them as their bid for a fourth continental title came to an end. 

Lopez: Speedsters steered Qatar into final

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Lopez: Speedsters steered Qatar into final

Doha: Marquez Lopez was delighted his decision to start without skipper Hassan Al Haydos paid off after Qatar secured a 3-2 win over Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday to seal a second successive appearance in the AFC Asian Cup™ final.

Lopez felt Homam Ahmed, Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali had the pace needed to break down Iran’s backline, a decision that delivered handsome dividends for the defending champions, who face Jordan in Saturday’s final.  

Ghalenoei takes responsibility for IR Iran’s exit

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Ghalenoei takes responsibility for IR Iran’s exit

Doha: Amir Ghalenoei apologised for Islamic Republic of Iran’s 3-2 defeat to Qatar in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-final on Wednesday, with the head coach saying he was to blame.

Despite Sardar Azmoun giving them a fourth minute lead, Iran were overrun by Qatar, with strikes from Jassem Gaber and Akram Afif putting the defending champions ahead. Alireza Jahanbakhsh restored parity from the penalty spot but Almoez Ali snatched victory for the hosts with his 82nd minute goal. 

Qatar, IR Iran deliver spectacular show

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Qatar, IR Iran deliver spectacular show

Doha: Qatar advanced to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final after working hard to defeat Islamic Republic of Iran 3-2 in their semi-final on Wednesday.

Both teams produced their best in a spectacular showcase and the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the pulsating tie played at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Qatar to face Jordan for title

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Qatar to face Jordan for title

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final is set to be a blockbuster after Qatar booked their spot following a superb 3-2 against Islamic Republic of Iran in their semi-final on Wednesday.

Qatar will face Jordan, who advanced to the final on Tuesday, having defeated Korea Republic 2-0 in their last four tie.