Mancini’s Saudi Arabia starting to find form with 2-0 cruise past Kyrgyz Republic
June 21 – Saudi Arabia had little difficulty dispatching a nine-man Kyrgyz Republic 2-0, securing their place in the last 16
Asian Cup 2023
Thailand’s tight defence leaves Oman with more to do after points shared
January 21 – On a night of frustration, Thailand and Oman shared the points in a goalless group F encounter that sees Masatada Ishii’s team move to four points and inch closer to a second-round ticket.
South Korea in last gasp escape after Jordan’s added time own goal levels tie
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 20 – South Korea enjoyed an injury-time escape after Yazan Al Arab’s own goal levelled the scores at 2-2 with Jordan in Group E, but they remain on course for the round of 16 with a final group-stage fixture against Malaysia to come.
Added time strike keeps Bahrain hopes alive but ends Malaysia’s campaign
January 20 – An Ali Madan goal in added time allowed Bahrain to snatch a 1-0 win over Malaysia and keep their hopes alive of reaching the last 16 of the Asian Cup alive.
Iraq stun Japan with 2-1 win to guarantee last 16 slot
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 19 – In the first major upset of the Asian Cup, Iraq triumphed 2-1 against tournament favourites Japan to advance to the last 16 and inflict a first group-stage defeat on the Samurai Blue since 1998.
Iran make hard work of Hong Kong but are through to knockouts
January 19 – Iran squeezed past a determined Hong Kong 1-0 to advance to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup with a game to spare in Group C.
Indonesia battle to 1-0 win over Vietnam
January 19 – Indonesia earned their first points in the competition by converting a decisive penalty versus a wasteful Vietnam side, as both teams went for the jugular in a battle at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
AFC readies for 20-team eAsian Cup kick off in Qatar
January 19 – The AFC has released more detail of the inaugural AFC eAsian Cup which will be played February 1-5 in Doha, running parallel to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Klinsmann forced to change keeper as Korea prepare for Jordan
January 19 – Jurgen Klinsmann and South Korea want to win the Asian Cup for goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, whose training-ground injury has ruled him out of the tournament.
UAE cling on for point against Palestine on a night of passion in Doha
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 18 – Palestine drew 1-1 against ten-man United Arab Emirates to retain hopes of qualifying for the second round for the first time, but will be left to rue what could have been with striker Oday Dabbagh and the frontline not capitalising on a series of chances.
Uzbekistan power past India with dominant first half display
January 18 – Group B hopefuls Uzbekistan were victorious over India in a match decided by a ferocious first-half display at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan.
Aussies squeeze past a stubborn Syrian defence
January 18 – Australia have booked their place in the last 16 of the Asian Cup with a match to spare after Jackson Irvine came to the rescue to overcome a dogged Syria 1-0.
Group C: Hong Kong reinforced for duel with high flying Iran
January 18 – Hong Kong manager Jorn Andersen has promised that his side will peak for their David-vs-Goliath clash against continental heavyweights Iran and improve from their 4-0 defeat in November in World Cup qualifying.
Qatar beat unravelling Tajikistan to secure last 16 spot
January 17 – Qatar have booked their place in the Asian Cup Round of 16 after defeating Tajikistan 1-0 in a hard-fought victory at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Group B: Aussies push for second win, Uzbeks look to get points on the board
January 17 – Australia manager Graham Arnold has urged his team to deploy their arial threat against Syria while India’s Igor Stimac wants his team to put in another compact performance but with a better outcome against Uzbekistan.