Added time strike keeps Bahrain hopes alive but ends Malaysia’s campaign
January 20 – An Ali Madan goal in added time allowed Bahrain to snatch a 1-0 win over Malaysia and keep their hopes alive of reaching the last 16 of the Asian Cup alive.
Match Reports
Iraq stun Japan with 2-1 win to guarantee last 16 slot
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 19 – In the first major upset of the Asian Cup, Iraq triumphed 2-1 against tournament favourites Japan to advance to the last 16 and inflict a first group-stage defeat on the Samurai Blue since 1998.
Iran make hard work of Hong Kong but are through to knockouts
January 19 – Iran squeezed past a determined Hong Kong 1-0 to advance to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup with a game to spare in Group C.
Indonesia battle to 1-0 win over Vietnam
January 19 – Indonesia earned their first points in the competition by converting a decisive penalty versus a wasteful Vietnam side, as both teams went for the jugular in a battle at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
UAE cling on for point against Palestine on a night of passion in Doha
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 18 – Palestine drew 1-1 against ten-man United Arab Emirates to retain hopes of qualifying for the second round for the first time, but will be left to rue what could have been with striker Oday Dabbagh and the frontline not capitalising on a series of chances.
Uzbekistan power past India with dominant first half display
January 18 – Group B hopefuls Uzbekistan were victorious over India in a match decided by a ferocious first-half display at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan.
Aussies squeeze past a stubborn Syrian defence
January 18 – Australia have booked their place in the last 16 of the Asian Cup with a match to spare after Jackson Irvine came to the rescue to overcome a dogged Syria 1-0.
Qatar beat unravelling Tajikistan to secure last 16 spot
January 17 – Qatar have booked their place in the Asian Cup Round of 16 after defeating Tajikistan 1-0 in a hard-fought victory at the Al Bayt Stadium.
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.
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.
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.