Minamino, Afif headline AFC Asian Cup 2023 Team of Matchday 1

Players from South Korea and Qatar dominate this list!

The kickoff of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 was a spectacle, and the excitement of Matchday 1 left fans thrilled. From Akram Afif’s stellar performance, securing a double and aiding Qatar in a triumphant 3-0 victory over Lebanon, to Ali Al Bulayhi’s late heroics sealing a gritty win for Saudi Arabia against Oman, Matchday 1 had it all. 

And we at Khel Now, will now take a look on these individual star performers from Matchday 1 of the AFC Asian Cup 2023:

Goalkeeper: Meshaal Barsham (Qatar)

Qatar’s goalkeeper, Meshaal Barsham, exhibited exceptional skill. With five crucial saves, Barsham secured a victorious outcome for the team, preserving a clean-sheet.

Left-back: Mahmoud Al Mardi (Jordan)

Jordan’s Mahmoud Al-Mardi staked his claim for the tournament’s best goal, seizing an early lead with a spectacular shot from beyond the box. The winger’s precision, as the ball gracefully arched over the keeper into the top far corner, showcased his attacking prowess.

Centre-back: Ali Al Bulayhi (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia secured a hard-fought victory over Oman with a goal in the 96th minute by Ali Al Bulayhi. A seasoned player who has encountered icons like Messi and Ronaldo, Albulayhi showcased his prowess once again, delivering a crucial performance that proved instrumental in securing a late triumph for the Saudi Arabian team.

Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan (India)

Sandesh Jhingan delivered a monumental performance against Australia in the AFC Asian Cup, showcasing resilience and determination. Despite sustaining a first-half injury, Jhingan remained unfazed, displaying unwavering commitment in winning duels against the towering Australian opponents. Despite India‘s eventual 2-0 loss in the second half, Jhingan’s gritty and tenacious display earned him the moniker of India’s very own defensive stalwart, embodying the spirit of a true wall on the field.

Right-back: Abdul Rahman Oues (Syria)

In a riveting encounter, Uzbekistan and Syria played out a draw, with the resilient Syrian defence being the key factor. Notably, star defender Abdul Rahman Oues, stationed at right-back, played a pivotal role. Oues stood tall, successfully shutting down threats from Masharipov and Fayzullaev, contributing significantly to Syria’s unwavering defensive performance.

Left Winger: Takumi Minamino (Japan)

Japan opened their 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a resounding 4-2 victory over Vietnam, securing a valuable three points. The hero of the match was Takumi Minamino, who with his brace, played a pivotal role in guiding Japan to success, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess on the continental stage.

Central Midfielder: Saman Ghoddos (Iran)

Ghoddos orchestrated a remarkable start for his team in the AFC Asian Cup Group C opener against Palestine. In an impressive display, Ghoddos contributed with two assists within a span of 12 minutes, setting up goals for Karim Ansarifard and Shoja Khalilzadeh.

Central Midfielder: Hwang In-beom (South Korea)

South Korea took the lead in the first half against Bahrain with Hwang In-beom’s well-executed strike. The South Korean star exhibited mastery in the midfield, effectively connecting with the attackers and contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts.

Right Winger: Lee Kang-in (South Korea)

Following Bahrain’s quick response to Hwang In-beom’s goal, South Korea found their saviour in PSG’s new midfield sensation, Lee Kang-in. Displaying his prowess, Lee scored twice, decisively tipping the balance in favour of South Korea.

Striker: Supachai Chaided (Thailand)

In their AFC Asian Cup 2023 opener, Thailand secured a victory against Kyrgyz Republic with striker Supachai Chaided leading the charge. Tasked with filling the shoes of legend Teerasil Dangda, Supachai lived up to the expectations by scoring two goals on either side of the break.

Striker: Akram Afif (Qatar)

Qatar showcased their title defence determination with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Lebanon. Dominating the entire game, Qatar’s star player Akram Afif, played a pivotal role by scoring a brace. The emphatic victory marked a strong start for the home team in their pursuit of retaining the championship on their own turf.

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