Preview - Group C: IR Iran v UAE

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v UAE

Doha: Head coach Paulo Bento highlighted intelligent play and humility as qualities his UAE side need if they are to get a result against Islamic Republic of Iran in their third match of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 on Tuesday.

The UAE currently sit second in the group with four points to their name, but a defeat at Education City Stadium and other results going against them could see Bento's men exit the competition in the group stage for the first time since 2011.
 
After a convincing 3-1 win over Hong Kong, China in their opening fixture, the UAE were held to a 1-1 draw against Palestine in a game they finished with 10 men after defender Khalifa Al Hammadi was sent-off in the 37th minute. Bento also received a red card just before the final whistle, meaning he will be suspended for the Iran clash.

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IR Iran's Hajsafi focused on team success, UAE's Ramadan relishing midfield battle

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

IR Iran's Hajsafi focused on team success, UAE's Ramadan relishing midfield battle

Doha: Islamic Republic of Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi is focused on collective success rather than individual glory ahead of his side’s final game of Group C of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 against the UAE on Tuesday.

Team Melli are already through to the Round of 16, having beaten Palestine 4-1 then Hong Kong, China 1-0 in their first two matches, but a win against their cross-gulf neighbours will ensure the top spot.

Preview - Group C: Hong Kong, China v Palestine

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: Hong Kong, China v Palestine

Doha: Head coach Jorn Andersen wants Hong Kong, China to end their long wait for a win by defeating Palestine when the sides meet in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 Group C on Tuesday.

Hong Kong, who made their tournament debut in 1956, have yet to win an AFC Asian Cup match - a situation Palestine are also in having first appeared on the continental stage in the 2015 edition. 
 
A first win for either side could mean a place in the knockout stage, with Palestine on a point after their draw with United Arab Emirates while Hong Kong lost both their earlier matches. 

Seyam wants Palestine to create history; Nunez aiming to power Hong Kong, China

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Seyam wants Palestine to create history; Nunez aiming to power Hong Kong, China

Doha: Tamer Seyam firmly believes that Palestine can overcome Hong Kong, China in their final AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group C tie at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday.

Hong Kong’s Vaz Nunez, however, is equally confident of his team’s chances with both sides chasing a first ever win at the continental showpiece. 

Preview - Group B: Syria v India

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group B: Syria v India

Doha: Igor Stimac is delighted to have a full-strength squad at his disposal for India’s do-or-die AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie against Syria on Tuesday.

The Blue Tigers, already grappling with the absence of key players coming into the tournament, found themselves further hampered by injuries in their first two games but with the likes of midfielder Abdul Samad back in training, the Croat is hopeful of a positive outcome at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Youssef, Chhetri eyeing for goal in Syria-India decider

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Youssef, Chhetri eyeing for goal in Syria-India decider

Al Khor: Fahad Youssef and Sunil Chhetri are both looking to score Syria and India’s first goal respectively at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which could potentially take their team to the knockout stage.

Neither side managed to find the back of the net in their opening two matches but something is likely to give when the two meet at Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday.

Preview - Group B: Australia v Uzbekistan

Tue, 23 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group B: Australia v Uzbekistan

Doha: Uzbekistan coach Srecko Katanec has ruled out Sherzod Nasrullaev from his side’s meeting with Australia in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ while Socceroos striker Mitchell Duke will miss the game due to a hamstring injury.

Nasrullaev has not trained since his side’s 3-0 win over India in the previous round and, while Katanec confirmed the defender will not take part in Tuesday’s meeting at Al Janoub Stadium, he remains confident his side will progress to the last 16.

Souttar relishing Al Janoub return; Xamrobekov rallies Uzbekistan

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

Souttar relishing Al Janoub return; Xamrobekov rallies Uzbekistan

Al Wakrah: Defender Harry Souttar is relishing Australia’s return to the happy hunting ground of the Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday when the Socceroos take on Uzbekistan in their final AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ clash looking to secure top spot in Group B.

The Australians played all three of their group games during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the stadium in Al Wakrah, winning against Tunisia and Denmark to book a berth in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2006.

And Souttar is now looking to continue that record of success when Graham Arnold’s team face an Uzbekistan side that can claim top spot for themselves with a win on Tuesday.

#AsianCup2023 smashes historic 1.5 billion engagement mark

Mon, 22 Jan, 2024

#AsianCup2023 smashes historic 1.5 billion engagement mark

Digital engagement at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ nearly doubles from last edition after just 10 days of ongoing tournament

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ has engaged with more fans than ever before after just 10 days of competition with impressions on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s digital channels exceeding the 1.5 billion mark – making it the first AFC competition to reach the breakthrough milestone.