As the dust settles on the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2023, Doha awaits an even more intense battle as the continental championship enters the knockout phase. Former champions Australia will take on Indonesia in the opening encounter of the Round of 16, while debutants Tajikistan will go head-to-head against the UAE in the second game on Sunday.
Australia, eyeing their second Asian Cup title, are the clear favourites against Indonesia, who have qualified for the knockout stage of the competition for the first time. Australia remained unbeaten in the group stage, starting their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over India but failing to replicate such dominance against Syria and Uzbekistan. All eyes will be on Jackson Irvine, who has scored two goals in the group stage, as the midfielder aims to add to his tally when they face Indonesia.
Road to the FINAL! 🏆#AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/eLRymAga0m
— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 25, 2024
Indonesia have qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams, thanks to their 1-0 victory over Vietnam. They will take solace in the fact that they had three different goal scorers in the three group stage games, but they will have to contend with Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles, Australia’s intimidating defenders, who have played a key role in keeping six clean sheets in the last seven games.
On the other side of Doha, later on Sunday, the United Arab Emirates will face Tajikistan, who are riding high after a thrilling win against Lebanon in their final group stage fixture, which ensured their berth in the knockout stage. The Asian Cup title has eluded the UAE, former runners-up, despite them having qualified for ten editions. This time, they will be keen to improve on their past performances, but spirited Tajikistan gave a tough time to the host Qatar during the group stage.
Tajikistan’s Ehson Panjshanbe will be the player to watch, having played a key role in their attack throughout the group stage. UAE will rely on Yahya Al Ghassani and Sultan Adil, as both scored two goals each in the group stage.
The Emirates will be aiming for a convincing performance against the Central Asian side after facing significant criticism from the local media for their ordinary performance in the group stage games.