Excitement is surging as the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 is just around the corner with 24 best teams of the continent gearing up to fight for glory. A year after organising the best FIFA World Cup ever, host nation Qatar once again is set to wow football fans by delivering the greatest Asian showpiece. Qatar’s nine state-of-the-art stadiums including seven venues where World Cup games were played will host as many as 51 matches from January 12 to February 10, 2024.
With tickets sales receiving overwhelming response, these stadiums are expected to operate with full capacity throughout the tournament. The tickets sale is currently in the third phase with prices for group stage match tickets starting at QR25. Ticket sales from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and India led the way during the first and second batch of tickets.
The Asian Football Confederation’s premier competition which Qatar is hosting for the record third time after the 1988 and 2011 editions is set for fitting opening at the iconic Lusail Stadium, which will also host the final. Hype is building up as the tournament gets closer with Local Organising Committee’s ongoing tour to several countries attracting a lot of interest from football enthusiasts.
Currently the officials are touring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates besides making stops in the Qatar including Mall of Qatar and the City Center Mall. Members of the tournament’s official mascot family – Saboog, Tmbki, Freha, Zkriti and Traeneh – are also making special appearances at these venues.
Last week, the AFC unveiled the official match ball of the tournament adding excitement among the fans. The match ball named VORTEXAC23+ and gold in colour takes inspiration from the desert sands of the host nation which combines elegantly with the nation’s traditional maroon colour. The contrast reflects the competitive spirit of the most exciting moments, as the dominance of the gold depicts the glory of reaching and competing for the coveted Asian Cup title.
Also, preparations of hosts Qatar, who will defend their Asian Cup title at home, are in full swing. Qatar are aiming to win the second successive Asian Cup crown after their famous triumph in the UAE. The team is under the supervision of coach Marquez Lopez. As part of their preparations, Al Annabi will meet Cambodia and Jordan in friendly matches on December 31 and January 5 respectively. Lopez’s squad announced on Friday for the two games is a blend of experienced and young talent. The home team will face China, Tajikistan and Lebanon in Group A of the Asian Games.
