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AFC Asian Cup 2023-24

As the AFC Asian Cup 2023 gears up to kick off in Doha, Qatar, football enthusiasts across the Indian subcontinent are eagerly awaiting the action. One of the intriguing narratives to watch out for is the age dynamics on the field.

Age is Just a Number

At 39, the evergreen Sunil Chhetri is poised to be the oldest player in the tournament. A stalwart for the Indian team with 145 appearances under his belt, Chhetri’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role.

Caps Galore: Al Haydos Takes the Lead

Hassan Al Haydos, the seasoned Qatari forward, takes the spotlight as the most capped player in the tournament, with an impressive 175 appearances for his national team. Having led Qatar to victory in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Al Haydos is set to make his fourth appearance at the age of 34. Following closely behind is India’s own Sunil Chhetri, a testament to the enduring spirit of these footballing legends.

The Wisdom of Age: Siwarak Tedsungnoen

Siwarak Tedsungnoen, the Thai custodian, brings a touch of vintage charm to the tournament. At 39, Tedsungnoen will be the oldest player on the field, showcasing that age is no barrier to agility and skill. As he approaches his 40th birthday, the Buriram United goalkeeper will be a stalwart presence between the posts, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.

Rising Stars: Youthful Vigor on Display

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is not just about seasoned players; it’s also a stage for emerging talents to shine. Beknaz Almazbekov from Kyrgyz Republic, at a tender age of 18, is the youngest player in the tournament. Iraq’s Montader Madjed and Indonesia’s Marselino Ferdinan, both under 19, add to the youthful exuberance, promising an injection of energy into the competition.

Johor Darul Ta’zim Domination

Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim make a significant mark in Qatar 2023 with the largest contingent of 15 players. Spread across various national teams, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Syria, these players showcase the depth and prowess of the Malaysian footballing powerhouse. A testimony to the impact of club football on the international stage.

Home Turf Advantage: A Unique Narrative

The tournament unfolds with a fascinating twist, as five teams – India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam – will be powered by home-based players. These local talents, such as Mahesh Naorem, Bassam Al Rawi, Ali Saleh, and Nguyen Hoang Duc, carry the hopes and dreams of their nations, adding an extra layer of excitement for the fans.

Aerial Dominance: Souttar Towers Above

Australia’s Harry Souttar stands tall at two meters, making him the towering presence in Qatar 2023. The Leicester City center-back is not just a defensive force but also a potent threat in aerial duels, as demonstrated by his recent goals in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ qualifiers. Qatar’s Homam Ahmed and India’s Gurpreet Singh follow closely as the next tallest players in the tournament.

Goal-Scoring Extravaganza: Chhetri at the Helm

As the tournament promises a goal-scoring spectacle, all eyes are on Sunil Chhetri, India’s prolific striker. With an impressive tally of 93 national team goals, Chhetri leads the charge for goal-scoring supremacy. UAE’s Ali Mabkhout, with 85 goals, and Iran’s Sardar Azmoun, with 49 goals, add to the electrifying atmosphere as these seasoned strikers aim to etch their names in the tournament’s goal-scoring history.

Record Chase: Nagatomo’s Legacy on the Line

The chase for Yuto Nagatomo’s record of 16 matches played at the AFC Asian Cup is heating up. Leading the charge are Korea Republic’s Son Heung-min and UAE’s Ali Mabkhout, both with 12 appearances. Just one match behind are Mat Ryan (Australia), Zhang Linpeng (China PR), and Ehsan Hajisafi (IR Iran). The stage is set for a thrilling contest as these players strive to leave their mark on the prestigious tournament.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023-24 is poised to be a significant event for football enthusiasts in India, offering a platform for teams to showcase their skills and compete at the continental level. Here are eight key insights that every Indian football fan should be aware of regarding the upcoming tournament:

1. Host Nation: China will host the AFC Asian Cup 2023-24, marking its second time hosting the prestigious tournament after the first in 2004.
2. Participating Teams: The tournament will feature 24 teams from diverse Asian nations, highlighting the breadth of football talent across the continent.
3. Indian National Team: India will be a participant in the competition, aiming to make an impact and progress through the tournament stages.
4. Venues: Matches will be held in various cities throughout China, utilizing modern stadiums as the backdrop for exciting football clashes.
5. Tournament Format: Teams will compete in a group stage, followed by knockout rounds, ultimately leading to the crowning of the AFC Asian Cup champion.
6. Asian Football Confederation (AFC): The AFC, as the governing body, organizes the tournament, overseeing football development across Asia.
7. Footballing Stars: Expect to witness top footballing talents from Asia displaying their skills and competing fiercely for glory.
8. Indian Football Progress: The tournament provides India with an opportunity to assess its footballing development on the continental stage, facing strong opponents and striving for success.

Final Word | Conclusion:

In conclusion, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 promises a blend of experience and youth, local pride and international glory, and a goal-scoring extravaganza that will captivate the hearts of football fans across India.