Alkass Digital
With only a few days to go until Qatar set off to defend their AFC Asian Cup title, Qatari national player Ahmed Alaa is excited to play in front of their fans and on home soil.
The tournament, which is set to take place between 12 January – 10 February will be played across nine stadiums, seven of which were used to host matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The 30-year-old striker who plays for Qatar Stars League side Al Gharaffa was part of the winning side that claimed the AFC Asian Cup in 2019, a feat he looks to repeat on home soil.
“Our main focus will be on getting a good start from the opening match and through the group stage. Building momentum at an early stage in the tournament will be critical to us, as we look to make our fans happy,” said Alaa.
Qatar has been drawn into group A alongside China PR, Tajikistan and Lebanon. Al Ennabi will play in the opening match against Lebanon at Lusail stadium, Qatar’s largest arena with a capacity of 88,000 fans. The iconic venue previously hosted the final match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, which is widely regarded as the greatest final match in the tournament’s history.
The opening match is set for 12 January, 7pm kick off. The tournament’s opening ceremony will commence at 5pm.
“Playing in front of our fans is our biggest motivation. The Asian Cup is a massive tournament, and it is an honor for any player to take part in it. Having the opportunity to defend the title on home soil is an added motivation for all us to make history right in front of our fans,” added Alaa.
Qatar will continue on their path to defend their title as Asian champions when they meet Tajikistan on 17 January at Al Bayt Stadium, 5:30pm kick off and China PR at Khalifa International Stadium on 22 January, 6:00pm kick off. Tickets for all matches start as low as 25 QAR for the group stage and can be bought online from http://asiancup2023.qa.
During the 2019 edition AFC Asian Cup, Qatar claimed the title in a memorable fashion by finishing the tournament undefeated, conceding only one goal along the way. Alaa featured in the side that made history by awarding Qatar their first Asian title.
“The joy we felt from being Asian champions was indescribable. We knew how much it meant to our fans and to our families.
Football is unique in that way. No other sport can inspire millions and unite people like it does, and that is why we play the game,” said Alaa who will look to make his 60th international cup during the tournament.
Qatar is set to host the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 for a record third time after successfully hosting it in 1988 and 2011.
Twenty-four of the continent’s best teams will compete for the continent’s most prestigious football title. A total of 51 matches will be played across nine stadiums from 12 January to 10 February 2024.