Lopez replaces Queiroz as Qatar head coach

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Lopez replaces Queiroz as Qatar head coach

Kuala Lumpur: Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as national team head coach with Marquez Lopez taking over, the Qatar Football Association said on Wednesday

Former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Queiroz had taken charge of Qatar in February, replacing Felix Sanchez.

Player to Watch: Wu Lei (China PR)

Wed, 06 Dec, 2023

Player to Watch: Wu Lei (China PR)

Kuala Lumpur: Wu Lei has been the standout name on the China PR team sheet for a number of years, and with that comes the weight of expectation from a nation that has yet to win the most prestigious prize in Asian football. 

The forward has twice fired Shanghai Port to the Chinese Super League title, became the first player from his country to score in Spain’s top flight, and has netted more than 250 goals since making his senior club debut as a 14-year-old back in 2006.
 
Now 32 and set to appear in his third AFC Asian Cup™, Wu will look to inspire China to a strong showing at Qatar 2023. 

Player to watch: Komail Al Aswad (Bahrain)

Tue, 05 Dec, 2023

Player to watch: Komail Al Aswad (Bahrain)

Riyadh: Few Bahraini players have experienced as much success as midfielder Komail Al Aswad, the former gymnast who has been at the heart of all good memories for both club and country for the best part of a decade.

The Riffa born man grew up focusing on gymnastics and was so good at it from an early age that he represented Bahrain in regional competitions before turning 12. He then switched to football where he would soon find his way to his hometown club Riffa SC.
 
Over the course of a decade, Al Aswad won four Bahraini Premier League titles with Riffa SC and was one of their standout performers as they reached the Zonal Final in the AFC Cup™ 2022.

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.

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.