Top 10 saves from AFC Asian Cup 2023

The goalkeepers of certain teams were at their best during the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 culminated in Qatar‘s successful title defence against Jordan in a thrilling final at the Lusail Stadium. The tournament was a rollercoaster of emotions. From India’s underwhelming performance to Jordan’s unexpected journey, this AFC Asian Cup had everything.

Among the highlights were the breathtaking goals, but let’s not forget the remarkable goalkeeping displays. Throughout the competition, goalkeepers showcased exceptional skill and determination, making crucial saves to keep their teams in contention. From diving stops to acrobatic leaps, the keepers’ heroics captivated fans and underlined the importance of their contribution to their respective teams’ success. 

So without any further ado, we at Khel Now take a look at the top 10 saves from the AFC Asian Cup 2023:

10. Khalid Eisa (UAE) vs Tajikistan

A cross from Rakhimov on the right flank found Nuriddin Khamrokulov’s head, who executed a perfect header towards goal. However, Eisa was equal to the challenge, pulling off a flying save to deny Tajikistan a crucial goal in the dying minutes of the Round of 16 match.

9. Alireza Beiranvand (Iran) vs UAE

The Iranian goalkeeper denied Yahya Al-Ghassani’s shot from the spot in the 63rd minute. Yahya opted to aim for the left corner, but Alireza anticipated his shot perfectly, making a crucial save.

8. Saranon Anuin (Thailand) vs Saudi Arabia

A spot-kick aimed directly at the centre of the goal by Radif was saved by Anuin, who used his legs to block the shot. This save was one of Anuin’s highlights from that night at the Education City Stadium, where he made a total of seven saves.

7. Erzhan Tokotayev (Kyrgyzstan) vs Saudi Arabia

Erzhan made a fabulous save in Matchday 2, denying Mohammed Alburayk’s free-kick from entering the top right corner of the goal with a remarkable stretch. Despite Erzhan’s heroics, Saudi Arabia won the match with a 2-0 margin. Nonetheless, the save was one to remember.

6. Yazeed Abulaila (Jordan) vs Iraq

Bayesh’s shot from outside the box in the 36th minute was met with a well-executed dive by Abulaila, who stretched across the goalpost to deny the ball’s entry. This crucial save proved significant for Jordan, especially considering the unfolding dynamics of the match.

5. Ahmed Al-Kassar (Saudi Arabia) vs South Korea

Al-Kassar made a crucial save by stopping Hwang In-beom’s shot with his legs, following a well-crafted attacking sequence by the South Koreans in the final third. 

4. Jo Hyeon-woo (South Korea) vs Australia

In the 53rd minute, when Korea were trailing 1-0, Hyeon-woo pulled off a remarkable double save against Australia’s Martin Boyle. Initially, he thwarted Boyle’s header with a reflex save, and then quickly positioned himself to spread his body in front of Boyle, denying him again with an impressive display of goalkeeping prowess.

3. Ka Wing Tse (Hong Kong) vs Palestine

Even though Hong Kong were already trailing 3-0, Ka Wing Tse’s incredible save, made with just the tip of his boots, to deny Palestine their fourth goal, highlighted his exceptional goalkeeping ability. This remarkable save solidifies his position in this article.

2. Saad Al Sheeb (Qatar) vs China

In the 35th minute of the match against China, Saad Al Sheeb demonstrated his exceptional goalkeeping skills by making a crucial save. With just the tip of his fingers, he denied Wei Shihao, preventing the ball from finding the back of the net. Although Qatar ultimately secured a 1-0 victory in the match, Al Sheeb’s save stood out as a special moment.

1. Meshaal Barsham (Qatar) vs Iran

Barsham, the winner of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Best Goalkeeper award, deserves a place on the top of the list, particularly for his crucial save during injury time against Iran in the semi-finals. In a tense moment, a deflected shot from his own teammate put Iran through on goal, but Barsham reacted swiftly, getting down quickly against the run of his motion to make the save. This pivotal intervention denied Iran from equalising, ultimately securing Qatar’s victory.

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