Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Thailand

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Saudi Arabia v Thailand

Al Rayyan: Head coach Roberto Mancini singled out right-back Saud Abdulhamid for praise ahead of Saudi Arabia’s final match of Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ against Thailand at Education City Stadium on Thursday.

The 24-year-old is one of three outfield players who have played all 180 minutes for the Green Falcons so far and his contributions in both the defensive and attacking phases of play are evident by the fact he leads his teammates in crosses with 15 and in duels won with 17.
 
Mancini’s men have already qualified to the Round of 16 and need a point to secure the top spot in their group, but the Italian tactician is eager to make it three wins from three for the first time in Saudi Arabia’s AFC Asian Cup history.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_f__kyrgyz_republic_0_-_2_saudi_arabia_1.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_group_f__oman_0_-_0_thailand_1.html

Al Ghamdi honoured by Al Temyat comparisons, Thailand’s Suphanan relishing Saudi Arabia challenge

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Al Ghamdi honoured by Al Temyat comparisons, Thailand’s Suphanan relishing Saudi Arabia challenge

Doha: Midfielder Faisal Al Ghamdi is dreaming of charting his own path, having been compared to Saudi Arabia legend Nawaf Al Temyat ahead of his side’s final AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group F match against Thailand on Thursday.

The 22-year-old broke his international duck on just his sixth cap with a fine strike from outside the box in Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic, but is not allowing himself to get carried away despite being compared by Saudi media to national hero Al Temyat whose three goals in the AFC Asian Cup Lebanon 2000 helped the Green Falcons reach the final.

Preview - Group F: Kyrgyz Republic v Oman

Thu, 25 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group F: Kyrgyz Republic v Oman

Doha: Branko Ivankovic is hopeful that an Oman win over Kyrgyz Republic in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ on Thursday will be enough to take the West Asian side through to the Round of 16.

Oman scaled new heights in UAE 2019 when they reached the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time and head coach Ivankovic is not ready for the achievement to come to an abrupt end.
 
One point from their first two matches puts Oman in a precarious position but a win against Kyrgyz Republic could well see them advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best four third-place finishers.

Malaysia’s Cools excited to face Korea Republic; Jo optimistic

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Malaysia’s Cools excited to face Korea Republic; Jo optimistic

Al Wakrah: Despite Malaysia having already been eliminated, Dion Cools is excited at the prospect of facing Korea Republic in their final AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E match on Thursday.

The Southeast Asian side, however, can expect another tough 90 minutes with Jo Hyeon-woo determined that Korea Republic will bounce back in emphatic fashion following their last gasp draw with Jordan on Matchday Two. 

Bahrain’s Marhoon, Jordan’s Olwan prepared for thriller

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Bahrain’s Marhoon, Jordan’s Olwan prepared for thriller

Al Rayyan: Mohamed Marhoon is hoping Bahrain’s formula can see them overcome Jordan in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group E encounter at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday.

Bahrain revived their qualification hopes when they secured a last-gasp 1-0 win over Malaysia on Matchday Two with Marhoon insisting that his team has confidence to continue their winning momentum.

Team spirit is Palestine’s strength, says Al Battat

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Team spirit is Palestine’s strength, says Al Battat

Doha: Team spirit paved the way for Palestine’s progress to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16, said midfielder Mu’sab Al Battat.

The spot was sealed after a 3-0 win over Hong Kong, China on Tuesday meant Palestine were assured of advancing as one of the best four third-placed teams.
 
Not only was it their first ever win at the continental showpiece but it also meant qualifying for the knockout stage at the third time of trying, with Al Battat delivering a captain’s performance at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium by assisting two of the goals.

Uzbekistan on course to match the best, says Masharipov

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Uzbekistan on course to match the best, says Masharipov

Al Wakrah: Jaloliddin Masharipov is confident Uzbekistan can further establish themselves among Asia’s elite after picking up a 1-1 draw with Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday to confirm their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as Group B runners-up.

Masharipov was introduced from the bench with the Central Asians trailing to a first half Martin Boyle penalty and the winger delivered the cross from which Azizbek Turgenboev headed in his side’s equaliser 12 minutes from time.
 
The point guaranteed Uzbekistan finished second behind the Australians and Srecko Katanec’s side will take on the runners-up in Group F in the next round of the continental championship next week.

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei calls for patience, Costa pleased with UAE progress

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei calls for patience, Costa pleased with UAE progress

Al Rayyan: Players, fans and the media should not get carried away after Islamic Republic of Iran finished Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ with the maximum nine points, according to head coach Amir Ghalenoei.

Team Melli sealed a third win in a row, beating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 at Education City Stadium on Tuesday to top the group. Goals from Mehdi Taremi either side of the break put Iran in the driving seat, while an injury time strike from Yahya Al Ghassani halved the deficit and saw the UAE accompany their opponents into the knockout stage.

Cuper: A dream come true for Syria

Wed, 24 Jan, 2024

Cuper: A dream come true for Syria

Al Khor: Hector Cuper described Syria’s historic 1-0 victory over India in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group B tie on Tuesday as "a dream come true".

The win confirmed Syria’s place in the Round of 16, marking the first-ever entry for the Qasioun Eagles into the knockout stage of the continental showpiece.