Iran players arrive in Doha.
Doha, Qatar: Title contenders Iran and Australia were among the sides to descend on Doha as Hamad International Airport buzzed with teams’ arrivals yesterday, building up excitement ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Dressed in traditional attire, Oman along with the United Arab Emirates and debutants Tajikistan also landed in the Qatari capital hoping for a strong show in Asia’s premier tournament, which will get underway on Friday with the opening match between hosts and defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium.
Three-time champions Iran, who are in Group C with the UAE, Hong Kong and Palestine, are looking to end the trophy drought having clinched their last title back in 1976.
Tajikistan players received a warm welcome upon their arrival.
Placed 21st in the FIFA rankings, the second best ranked Asian side will start as favourites in the group with forward Karim Ansarifard hoping for a strong show from Iran in the tournament.
“It’s a tough group and we respect all the opponents we will face. We will analyse our group teams in the coming days. I think each game has its own difficulty but we will go well prepared,” Ansarifard said after Team Melli’s arrival.
“We know how important this tournament is for our country and for our fans. We will try our best to make them happy,” he added.
Iran will meet Palestine in their first match on January 14 at Education City Stadium.
Australia coach Graham Arnold
Australia eye trophy
Brimming with confidence after their 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Abu Dhabi friendly on Saturday, Australia are seeking their second Asian Cup title having clinched their maiden trophy at home in 2015.
Australia coach Graham Arnold was relishing his return to Qatar where the Socceroos made the Round of 16 appearance in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
“It’s always great to come back to Qatar,” Arnold said yesterday.
“Our preparations have been fantastic. We had a very good game against Bahrain in Abu Dhabi before the start of the Asian Cup. My expectations coming to the tournament are always to win the tournament. Nothing changes from the first game, we’ve got India in the first game and we need to be ready for that,” he added.
Palestine’s players take part in a training session in Doha yesterday as they gear up for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. Palestine will meet Saudi Arabia in a friendly match today in preparation for the continental event which kicks off on January 12. AFP
After meeting India on January 13, Australia will also take on Syria and Uzbekistan in Group B.
Meanwhile, Oman will open their campaign with a tough match against Saudi Arabia on January 16 at Khalifa International Stadium (KIS). Making their fifth appearance in the Asian Cup, Oman will also face Thailand and Kyrgyzstan in Group F.
Last edition’s hosts, UAE – powered by their all-time leading scorer Ali Mabkhout (85 goals) – will play their opening match against Hong Kong on January 14 at KIS as the 1996 finalists chase their maiden title in Qatar in their 11th appearance in the continental showpiece.
Tajikistan hope to shine on debut
Meanwhile, Tajikistan coach Petar Segrt hoped his team will show a good performance in the group stage and enter the Round of 16.
“We are ready for the tournament. Tajikistan is playing in the Asian Cup for the first time in history. It’s an honour to take part in the tournament especially since it is taking place in Qatar which I like very much,” he said.
Oman players and officials upon their arrival at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, yesterday.
“We have been preparing for the tournament for one and a half year since our qualification.”
Tajikistan will face China in their first Group A match on January 13 at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium before meeting Qatar and Lebanon.
“All the three games are tough but we are focusing on China which is our first match. We will go step by step and that is a small chance for us. We are looking forward to good games and I hope Tajikistan will reach the knockout stage,” the Croatian added.
