Preview - Group C: Palestine v UAE

Fri, 19 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group C: Palestine v UAE

Doha: Palestine’s physical and direct approach will pose a challenge to the United Arab Emirates when the two teams face off in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 Group C on Thursday, according to UAE head coach Paulo Bento.

The Portuguese coach, who had previously led Korea Republic to the quarter-finals in the 2019 edition, started his continental adventure with the Whites with a 3-1 win over Hong Kong, China, and adding three more points could be all that is needed to secure a place in the next stage.
 
In the absence of all-time top scorer Ali Mabkhout who was left on the bench on Sunday, youngsters Sultan Adil and Zayed Sultan as well as Yahya Al Ghassani assumed scoring duties, while Hong Kong’s Philip Chan got the 1,000th AFC Asian Cup goal early in the second half.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_c__united_arab_emirates_3_-_1_hong_kong_china_1.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_c__islamic_republic_of_iran_4_-_1_palestine_1.html

Palestine’s Battat relishing UAE clash, Salmin urges focus

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Palestine’s Battat relishing UAE clash, Salmin urges focus

Doha: Palestine captain Musab Battat believes his side has what it takes to compete with the United Arab Emirates in what he has billed as a “must-win” clash in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday.

On their third consecutive AFC Asian Cup appearance, Palestine fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Islamic Republic of Iran at the start of their campaign, but Battat insists the challenge at Al Janoub Stadium will be a more realistic one.

Group C - Palestine v UAE: Facts & Figures

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Group C - Palestine v UAE: Facts & Figures

Doha: Palestine will have to be at their best when they meet United Arab Emirates in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday.

A 4-1 defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran  in their opener means Palestine can't afford to slip up against a UAE side who impressed in their 3-1 win over Hong Kong, China. 

Preview - Group B: Syria v Australia

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group B: Syria v Australia

Doha: Syria head coach Hector Cuper has denied he will take a defensive approach into his team’s Group B clash with Australia on Thursday as the west Asians look to pick up their first win of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

The Argentinian’s team were held to a 0-0 draw by Uzbekistan in their opening game on Saturday having failed to register a single shot on target at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium against Cuper’s former employers.
 
But while the meeting with Graham Arnold’s side represents another demanding test for the Qasioun Eagles, Cuper stressed he will not be setting up his team to look for another point.

Australia's Behich has eyes on title; Syria's Ousou unfazed by pressure

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Australia's Behich has eyes on title; Syria's Ousou unfazed by pressure

Doha: Veteran Australian defender Aziz Behich has set his sights on repeating the Socceroos’ 2015 heroics and claim the continental title for his country for a second time as Graham Arnold’s side gear up for their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B meeting with Syria on Thursday.

Behich played twice for Ange Postecoglou’s side when the Australians won the title on home soil nine years ago and the 33-year-old hopes starting the current campaign with a win over India on Saturday will serve as a positive omen for further success.

Preview - Group B: India v Uzbekistan

Thu, 18 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group B: India v Uzbekistan

Al Rayyan: Srecko Katanec wants his Uzbekistan side to not hold back when they play India in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday.

Uzbekistan are third in the standings following their 0-0 draw against Syria, two points adrift of group leaders Australia who defeated India 2-0 on Matchday One.

India’s Amrinder issues rallying cry; Shukurov confident of Uzbekistan victory

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

India’s Amrinder issues rallying cry; Shukurov confident of Uzbekistan victory

Al Rayyan: Amrinder Singh wants India to produce their best when they face Uzbekistan in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar™ 2023 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday.

The South Asian side need to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Australia on Matchday One but are set for another test as Otabek Shukurov believes Uzbekistan are mentally prepared to secure the three points.

Matchday Two: 5 things to look out for

Wed, 17 Jan, 2024

Matchday Two: 5 things to look out for

Doha: The opening round of fixtures at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ did not disappoint and the continental competition now moves swiftly onto Matchday Two. 

Several sides will be looking to book an early ticket to the Round of 16 while others aim to ensure they head into the final set of group stage matches with their qualification hopes still alive. 
 
With 12 games to be played across Qatar in the days ahead, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.