Player to Watch: Maty Ryan (Australia)

Mon, 04 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Maty Ryan (Australia)

Kuala Lumpur: Since making his international debut for Australia against DPR Korea in December 2012, Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan has been no stranger to success.

The 31-year-old former Central Coast Mariners man was between the posts when Ange Postecoglou led the country to their first AFC Asian Cup™ title on home soil in 2015 and he has been a mainstay of the squad that has qualified for each of the last three FIFA World Cup finals.
 
But for all that time at the summit of Asian football, Ryan has not had his thirst for glory quenched and when the Australians roll up in Qatar to launch their latest challenge to claim the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in January, Ryan will be man leading the Socceroos’ charge.

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Test Your Knowledge - Round 8

Sun, 03 Dec, 2023

Test Your Knowledge - Round 8

Kuala Lumpur: Round 8 of the AFC Asian Cup™ quiz has more challenging questions about the continent's premier national team tournament.

Try it out to see how well versed you - the fans - are as the countdown for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ gathers pace. 

Official mascots unveiled for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

Mon, 04 Dec, 2023

Official mascots unveiled for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

Doha: A familiar quintet of charming and adorable jerboas were announced as the official mascots of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ today at a special launch ceremony. 

The family of five desert rodents are no strangers to the AFC Asian Cup™, as they had made their debut when Qatar last hosted the flagship competition in 2011. Now, Saboog, Tmbki, Freha, Zkriti and Traeneh are back to take the spotlight in the 18th edition of the showpiece.

Vietnam yearning for greater success

Sat, 02 Dec, 2023

Vietnam yearning for greater success

Kuala Lumpur: Vietnam will have the advantage of being guided by a coach who has tasted AFC Asian Cup™ glory and the Southeast Asian side will be counting on Philippe Troussier's experience in their bid to enjoy a successful tournament.

Their best in the continental showpiece has been quarter-final appearances in 2007 and 2019 but Vietnam will feel they have the quality and experience to challenge Asia's best. 

Uzbekistan set to challenge

Fri, 01 Dec, 2023

Uzbekistan set to challenge

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will not be lacking in confidence at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. 

The Central Asian are perennial qualifiers for the continental showpiece and will feel that Qatar 2023 is their best opportunity to lift the coveted title.

UAE well equipped for title tilt

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

UAE well equipped for title tilt

Kuala Lumpur: Semi-finalists in the previous two editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ and having come within a whisker of advancing to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Inter-Confederation Playoff, United Arab Emirates will be confident of impressing at Qatar 2023. 

The squad, consisting of a nice blend of experienced and young players, will relish their chances in Group C with Islamic Republic of Iran, Hong Kong, China and Palestine their opponents.

Thailand seeking to shine

Wed, 29 Nov, 2023

Thailand seeking to shine

Kuala Lumpur: Thailand have not been able to reproduce their success at the Southeast Asian level on the continental stage and they will be determined to make an impact in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. 

They will, however, have to be at their best to navigate past pre-tournament favourites Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyz Republic and Oman in Group F. 

Tajikistan on learning expedition

Mon, 27 Nov, 2023

Tajikistan on learning expedition

Kuala Lumpur: Tajikistan will be on a learning expedition when they make their AFC Asian Cup™ debut at Qatar 2023. 

The only team that will be making a first appearance at this edition of the continental showpiece, Tajikistan are relishing the opportunity of playing against the best.

Syria engrossed on creating history

Mon, 27 Nov, 2023

Syria engrossed on creating history

Kuala Lumpur: Syria will have to be at their best if they are to advance to the AFC Asian Cup™ knockout stage for the first time.

Drawn in Group B alongside 2015 champions Australia, Uzbekistan and India, Hector Cuper's side know they have to hit the ground running to stand a chance of progression.

Saudi Arabia geared for trophy challenge

Sun, 26 Nov, 2023

Saudi Arabia geared for trophy challenge

Kuala Lumpur: In 10 previous AFC Asian Cup™ appearances, Saudi Arabia have emerged champions thrice and runners-up the same number of times.

However, the last of their titles was won in 1996 while the defeat in the 2007 final to Iraq was followed by group stage exits in the following two editions and a Round of 16 elimination in UAE 2019.