Tajikistan's celebrations must continue, says Dzhuraboev

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Tajikistan's celebrations must continue, says Dzhuraboev

Doha: Tajikistan’s Zoir Dzhuraboev is eager for his side to build on their successful AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Group A campaign when they take on the United Arab Emirates in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

In their first-ever appearance in the competition, Tajikistan picked up a point from a goalless draw against China PR, then sealed qualification to the knockout stages on the last matchday, beating Lebanon 2-1 to finish second in the group.

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Experience will help UAE against Tajikistan, says Al Hashemi

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Experience will help UAE against Tajikistan, says Al Hashemi

Doha: Past encounters against central Asian teams will help the United Arab Emirates find solutions against their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™  last 16 opponents Tajikistan, according to defender Khalid Al Hashemi.

In the 14 months leading up to the tournament, the UAE played friendly matches against  Central Asian sides Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic. They also faced Kazakhstan.

R16 - Tajikistan v UAE: Facts & Figures

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

R16 - Tajikistan v UAE: Facts & Figures

Doha: Tajikistan will aim to prolong their journey when they meet United Arab Emirates in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 tie on Sunday.

The Central Asian side are enjoying a debut campaign to remember but will find former runners-up UAE a tough challenge.

Goodwin expects a sharper Australia

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Goodwin expects a sharper Australia

Doha: Craig Goodwin wants Australia to instill a sharper edge in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Round of 16 clash against Indonesia on Sunday.

With only four goals from their three Group B matches, the 32-year-old Al Wehda SC player is keen to see the Socceroos attack flourishing as the tournament heads into the business end.

R16 - Australia v Indonesia: Facts & Figures

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

R16 - Australia v Indonesia: Facts & Figures

Doha: Australia will start as favourites against Indonesia in their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ last 16 clash on Sunday.

The Australians are chasing a second continental title while Indonesia will be appearing at this stage of the competition for the first time. 

History-maker Haji determined to help Saudi Arabia win fourth title

Fri, 26 Jan, 2024

History-maker Haji determined to help Saudi Arabia win fourth title

Al Rayyan: It was a historic moment for Asian football on Thursday when Saudi Arabia’s Talal Haji etched his name in the record books, becoming the youngest player ever to play in an AFC Asian Cup™ match at the age of 16 years and 131 days. 

Haji took to the stage in Saudi Arabia's Group F fixture against Thailand, which ended in a 0-0 draw at the Education City Stadium.

The talented teenager nearly made an instant impact, rising to meet Nasser Al Dawsari's cross with a header only to be denied a goal by agile Thai goalkeeper Saranon Anuin.

Fantastic four eye Qatar 2023 glory and unique history

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Fantastic four eye Qatar 2023 glory and unique history

Doha: Heading into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, a quartet of head coaches had the opportunity to not just claim Continental glory but also carve out some special history.

Now, with the dust having settled on the Group Stage on Thursday, the title hopes of Jurgen Klinsmann (Korea Republic), Roberto Mancini (Saudi Arabia), Juan Antonio Pizzi (Bahrain) and Hajime Moriyasu (Japan) remain alive after their respective teams sealed qualification to the Round of 16.

Group Stage in Numbers

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Group Stage in Numbers

Doha: After 36 matches, 87 goals and 16 teams booking their place in the next phase of the competition, the group stage action in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which gave the supporters plenty to talk about over the past couple of weeks, came to an exciting conclusion on Thursday.

The Round of 16 action will begin with Australia facing Indonesia at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday, but with the dust just settling after the group fixtures, join the-AFC.com as we review the group stage of the continental showpiece by taking a closer look at some of the key facts and stats that caught the eye.

Fans make their mark as teams bid farewell

Sat, 27 Jan, 2024

Fans make their mark as teams bid farewell

Doha: Eight teams bid farewell to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ following the conclusion of the group stage on Thursday.

While their journey may have ended prematurely, the sides did their best and will - undoubtedly - already be planning to feature in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.
 
Following the eight sides every step of the way in Qatar 2023 were their fans and the-AFC.com pays tribute to the supporters who went to great lengths to push their favourite teams. 

Vote for your Best Match of the Group Stage!

Fri, 26 Jan, 2024

Vote for your Best Match of the Group Stage!

Doha: The group stage of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ drew to a close on Thursday as the 16 teams for the knockout rounds were confirmed while eight sides have now been eliminated. 

Incredible late drama, high-scoring matches and several upsets to boot, the opening three matchdays threw up games that will live long in the memory as the 18th edition of the continental competition got underway in style. 
 
With a short break before the Round of 16 kicks off, the-AFC.com looks back on six of the best group stage encounters and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favourite.