Top five most memorable games from AFC Asian Cup 2023 Group Stage

These matches resembled the true spirit of the underdogs in the AFC Asian Cup.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 group stage delivered a spectacular blend of triumphs and disappointments. From reigning champions Qatar asserting their dominance with impressive performances to India making an early exit, this group stage showcased the unpredictability and excitement inherent in continental competitions.

However, it was the unexpected outcomes that truly captivated spectators, injecting an element of surprise into the tournament. Unheralded teams created upsets, and nail-biting matches unfolded, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The emotional rollercoaster ranged from immense joy for some nations to profound sadness for others.

We at Khel Now go down the lane to witness the most memorable games from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Group Stage:

5. Tajikistan vs Lebanon (2-1)

In a thrilling AFC Asian Cup debut, Tajikistan showcased resilience and determination by securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over a 10-man Lebanon in Group A. Despite having two goals disallowed for offside through VAR, Tajikistan, trailing at first, mounted a comeback in the second half. 

Lebanon’s Kassem El-Zein received a red card, providing an opening for Tajikistan. Skipper Parvizdzhon Umarbayev and Nuriddin Khamrokulov seized the opportunity, netting late goals that secured a historic win and propelled Tajikistan to the last 16. The victory marked a significant milestone for Petar Segrt’s squad, leaving a lasting imprint on their maiden AFC Asian Cup campaign.

4. Jordan vs South Korea (2-2)

South Korea faced a challenging group stage in the Asian Cup, with Jordan coming close to defeating them, but Jordan’s quest for a historic victory over South Korea was thwarted in the 91st minute when Yazan Al-Arab’s own goal resulted in a 2-2 draw in their second Group E clash at the Al Thumama Stadium. 

South Korea initially took the lead through a penalty converted by skipper Son Heung-min, but Jordan fought back with an own goal from Park Yong-woo and a long-range strike from Yazan Al-Naimat, putting them ahead 2-1. Unfortunately, Yazan Al-Arab’s own goal in the final moments denied Jordan a historic triumph in this tightly contested encounter.

3. Iraq vs Vietnam (3-2)

Iraq claimed the top spot in their group with a perfect record, after securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Vietnam, marked by a 102nd-minute winner. Aymen Hussein reached the zenith of the tournament’s scoring charts, netting his fourth and fifth goals. Vietnam took the lead just before half-time through Bui Hoang Viet Anh’s set-piece goal, but their momentum was disrupted as Khuat Van Khang received a second yellow card at the stroke of the lemon break, reducing them to 10 players.

Iraq responded swiftly, equalising two minutes into the second half with Rebin Sulaka’s header from a corner. Aymen Hussein then put Iraq ahead with a header in the 73rd minute. Vietnam displayed resilience as Nguyen Quang Hai levelled the score in the 91st minute. However, Iraq secured the win in dramatic fashion with Hussein calmly converting a penalty in the 102nd minute of additional time, solidifying their position at the top of the group.

2. South Korea vs Malaysia (3-3)

In a dramatic AFC Asian Cup encounter against South Korea, Malaysia, ranked 130th globally, showcased a valiant effort but faced elimination despite a heroic 105th-minute equaliser by Romel Morales. Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea felt they had bottled all points when Lee Kang-in’s 83rd-minute free-kick and a 94th-minute penalty by skipper Son Heung-min put them in the lead. 

Jeong Woo-yeong had initially given Korea the lead in the 21st minute, but Malaysia mounted a spirited comeback with two early second-half goals from Faisal Halim and Arif Aiman (the latter converted from the penalty spot). The 3-3 draw meant South Korea advanced, leaving Malaysia eliminated from the tournament, concluding their campaign with a memorable but ultimately insufficient effort against the odds.

1. Iraq vs Japan (2-1)

Now, this match has got to be the highlight of the tournament. In a historic AFC Asian Cup Group D clash, Iraq secured their first victory over Japan in 42 years, triumphing 2-1 at the Education City Stadium. Aymen Hussein’s first-half double propelled Iraq, ensuring their qualification to the knockout stage. 

Iraq’s strategy focused on disrupting Japan’s rhythm by staying compact and utilising their physicality. While effective initially, Japan adapted, employing their pace and exploiting space on the wings to deliver crosses into the box. Despite Japan’s efforts, Iraq’s early goals proved decisive, marking a historic triumph for the West Asian side.

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