Saudi Arabia's Al Shehri taking it step by step; Tajikistan’s Ergashev rues defensive errors

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi Arabia's Al Shehri taking it step by step; Tajikistan’s Ergashev rues defensive errors

Doha: Head coach Saad Al Shehri was pleased that his Saudi Arabia side got off to a positive start in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ as he hopes to see his team grow into the tournament.

Rayan Hameed, Haitham Asiri and a brace from Aiman Yahya secured the defending champions a 4-2 win over Tajikistan with Al Shehri adamant that the best is yet to come from the West Asian side.

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Ithsara lauds Thailand display, Shenaishil seeks Iraq response

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Ithsara lauds Thailand display, Shenaishil seeks Iraq response

Al Wakrah: Thailand head coach Ithsara Sritharo was left in admiration of his team's efforts after leading them to victory against Iraq on Tuesday in their opening match at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™.

The Southeast Asian side had only picked up two wins from their previous four campaigns combined but they turned in an impressive display to defeat the 2013 winners at the Al Janoub Stadium in their Group C encounter.
 
After Waris Choolthong put them ahead in the 26th minute, Thailand held the Iraqis off with a rugged defensive display before adding a second in the 65th minute through Teerasak Poeiphimai. While their opponents kept probing, Ithsara praised the way his team saw the game out. 

Hwang proud of Korea Republic’s persistence; UAE’s discipline pleases Broli

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Hwang proud of Korea Republic’s persistence; UAE’s discipline pleases Broli

Doha: Head coach Hwang Sun-hong praised Korea Republic for sticking to the game plan in their intense AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ Group B opener against United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. 

The 2020 champions, with over 70 percent possession and 16 shots in total, struggled to breach UAE's defence until Lee Young-jun's dramatic header in added time clinched the victory.

Fujita: Patience took Japan past China PR

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Fujita: Patience took Japan past China PR

Doha: Captain Joel Chima Fujita admitted Japan had to take a measured approach in their 1-0 win over China PR after Ryuyu Nishio’s early sending off put the young Samurai Blue at risk of defeat in their opening Group B clash in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Tuesday.

The St-Truiden midfielder was instrumental to the success of Go Oiwa’s side at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium alongside goal scorer Kuryu Matsuki after Nishio’s 17th minute expulsion forced the Japanese into a tactical rejig.
 
Matsuki had started the game in a more advanced role but, with central defender Nishio dismissed for lashing out at China PR’s Jia Feifan, Oiwa replaced Rihito Yamamoto with defender Seiji Kimura and the Japanese took a more conservative approach as a result.

Al Hallak strike gives Al Ahed edge over Al Nahda

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Al Hallak strike gives Al Ahed edge over Al Nahda

Karbala: Lebanon’s Al Ahed took a valuable advantage in the AFC Cup 2023/24™ West Zonal Final beating Oman’s Al Nahda 1-0 in the first leg of the tie at Karbala International Stadium on Tuesday.

Champions in 2019, Al Ahed will look to defend their lead when the two teams face-off again in a week’s time in Oman with the aggregate winners facing one of the Inter-Zone finalists, Central Coast Mariners and Abdysh-Ata Kant in the AFC Cup final.

Vale urges Qatar to build on win; Indonesia’s Shin stays positive

Tue, 16 Apr, 2024

Vale urges Qatar to build on win; Indonesia’s Shin stays positive

Doha: Qatar produced a fine performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Indonesia in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024 ™ match on Monday but head coach Ilidio Vale has urged his side to continue improving if they want to achieve success. 

Goals from Khaled Ali and Ahmed Al Rawi secured the win and the Group A top spot after Australia and Jordan settled for a draw in their tie.

Australia's Vidmar, Jordan's Abu Zema satisfied with stalemate

Tue, 16 Apr, 2024

Australia's Vidmar, Jordan's Abu Zema satisfied with stalemate

Doha: Tony Vidmar declared himself satisfied with the point his Australia team claimed in their 0-0 draw with Jordan in Group A at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Monday as the Olyroos failed to break down Abdallah Abu Zema’s defensively disciplined outfit.

The Jordanians held on for a draw despite playing for the final eight minutes plus stoppage time with 10 men following captain Danial Afaneh’s sending off for a second bookable offence, leaving both teams to share the spoils at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

Europe Wrap: Doan wins it for Freiburg; Taremi rescues point for Porto

Tue, 16 Apr, 2024

Europe Wrap: Doan wins it for Freiburg; Taremi rescues point for Porto

Kuala Lumpur: Ritsu Doan’s stunning strike ensured a 1-0 win for SC Freiburg against SV Darmstadt 98 in the Bundesliga on Sunday and kept the Japan winger’s club in strong contention for a place in Europe next season. 

Mehdi Taremi came off the bench and salvaged a point for FC Porto as the Iranian striker levelled the score at 2-2 with eight minutes left on Saturday, as Hidemasa Morita’s Sporting Lisbon inched closer to the league title in Portugal with a 4-0 defeat of Gil Vicente. 
 
Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov scored to deny Inter a win in Italy, Australia defender Charlotte Grant advanced to the Women’s FA Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur in England and Thailand's Nicholas Mickelson was on target in Denmark, so join the-AFC.com as we find out how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the past week.