Lebanese hit woodwork as China settle for a second 0-0
January 17 – In a war of attrition, China played out their second goalless draw of the tournament, failing to find the net against Lebanon in their Group A encounter.
Asian Cup 2023
Palestine confident of finding focus ahead of UAE clash
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 17 – On the eve of their second Group B match with the United Arab Emirates, Palestine manager Makram Daboub said his side will draw lessons from their lack of focus in the heavy defeat against Iran, but remained confident of his team’s chances to make the round of 16.
Saudi Arabia snatch points off Oman with dramatic added time goal
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 16 – On a night of late drama, Saudi Arabia produced a 96th-minute winner from Ali Al Bulayhi to claim all three points against Oman in a 2-1 victory on Roberto Mancini’s debut at the Asian Cup.
Supachai double sees Thailand surprise wasteful Kyrgyzstan
January 16 – Thailand snatched the first points available in Group F of the Asian Cup, defeating Kyrgyzstan 2-0 courtesy of a brace from striker Supachai Jaided at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa stadium in Doha.
Tajikistan target last 16 slot but face resurgent Qatar; Lebanon and China have points to prove
January 16 – Ahead of their second group game with hosts Qatar, Tajikistan and their coach Petar Segrt are dreaming of making history at the Asian Cup, by scoring their first-ever goal and taking another step toward qualification for the last 16.
Qatar opener in Lusail Stadium broke Asian Cup attendance record
January 16 – The AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener witnessed a record-breaking attendance on Friday evening, as the tournament kicked off in spectacular fashion.
Jordan hammer four past Malaysia to top group
January 15 – Jordan got their Asian Cup campaign off to a brilliant start with a 4-0 victory over a naive Malaysia to take top spot in Group E.
Iraq go joint top of group after Indonesia win
January 15 – In an energetic game at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Iraq were victorious 3-1 over underdogs Indonesia as both sides fought to join Japan at the top of Group D.
Lee Kang-In double eases South Korea past Bahrain in Group E opener
January 15 – Continental heavyweights South Korea breezed past Bahrain 3-1 with a second-half brace from Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-In to get their Asian Cup off to a winning start.
Palestine give proof of life in face of Iranian onslaught
Doha – On an emotional night at the Asian Cup, Iran dispatched a brave-hearted Palestine 4-1 to take command of Group C.
UAE overcome Hong Kong’s fast start to open account
January 14 – The United Arab Emirates survived a scare in the opening match of Group C against Hong Kong, courtesy of two match-deciding penalties, as both sides played their part in a thrilling battle for three points.
Japan come from behind in helter skelter first half to beat Vietnam
January 14 – Tournament favourites Japan overcame a scare and a half of topsy-turvy football to defeat Vietnam 4-2 with a brace from Takumi Minamino.
Iran play down favourites role ahead of emotional opener against Palestine
January 13 – Three-time Asian champions Iran have downplayed their heavyweight status ahead of their Group C opener against Palestine, arguing that “every game will be a final”.
Uzbeks fluff their opening lines as Syria secure vital point
January 13 – Syria opened their Asian Cup account with a point following a goalless draw against a toothless Uzbekistan to throw Group B wide open and cast doubts over the Central Asians’ credentials.
Tajikistan draw with China on their Asian Cup debut
January 13 – China and Tajikistan drew their opening match 0-0 in the Abdullah bin Khalifa stadium in Doha Group A after a late goal by China was ruled out for offside.