AFC Football Cup Knockout Stage: What You Need to Know
The AFC Football Cup is one of the most prestigious and exciting club competitions in Asia, featuring teams from different regions and zones. The 2023/24 edition of the tournament has reached its knockout stage, where 12 teams will battle it out for the coveted trophy. Here are some of the key facts, highlights, and predictions for the upcoming matches.
The AFC Football Cup is the second-tier club competition in Asia, after the AFC Champions League. It was established in 2004 and has been held annually since then. The tournament is divided into five zones: West, Central, South, East, and ASEAN. Each zone has its own group stage and zonal semi-finals, followed by an inter-zone playoff and a final. The winner of the AFC Football Cup qualifies for the next edition of the AFC Champions League.
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Group Stage Review
The group stage of the AFC Football Cup 2023/24 was held from March to May, with 36 teams competing in nine groups of four. The top team from each group and the three best runners-up advanced to the knockout stage. Here are some of the notable results and performances from the group stage:
West Zone
The West Zone featured teams from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, and Syria. The group winners were Al Riffa (Bahrain), Al Kahrabaa (Iraq), and Al Nahda (Oman), while the best runner-up was Al Ahed (Lebanon), the defending champions of the tournament. Some of the standout players from this zone were Al Riffa's striker Ali Madan, who scored six goals, Al Kahrabaa's midfielder Amjad Attwan, who provided four assists, and Al Ahed's goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil, who kept four clean sheets.
Central Zone
The Central Zone featured teams from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The group winners were Abdysh-Ata (Kyrgyzstan), Khujand (Tajikistan), and Sogdiana (Uzbekistan), while the best runner-up was Ahal (Turkmenistan). Some of the standout players from this zone were Abdysh-Ata's forward Mirlan Murzaev, who scored eight goals, Khujand's midfielder Dilshod Bozorov, who provided five assists, and Sogdiana's goalkeeper Sanjar Kuvvatov, who kept five clean sheets.
South Zone
The South Zone featured teams from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Nepal. The group winners were ATK Mohun Bagan (India), Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh), and Maziya (Maldives), while the best runner-up was Abahani Dhaka (Bangladesh). Some of the standout players from this zone were ATK Mohun Bagan's forward Roy Krishna, who scored seven goals, Bashundhara Kings' midfielder Rabiul Hasan, who provided four assists, and Maziya's goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal, who kept four clean sheets.
East Zone
The East Zone featured teams from Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia. The group winners were Taichung Futuro (Chinese Taipei), Lee Man (Hong Kong), and Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), while the best runner-up was Tainan City (Chinese Taipei). Some of the standout players from this zone were Taichung Futuro's forward Benchy Estama, who scored six goals, Lee Man's midfielder Michael N'dri, who provided four assists, and Ulaanbaatar's goalkeeper Munkh-Erdene Enkhtaivan, who kept four clean sheets.
ASEAN Zone
The ASEAN Zone featured teams from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. The group winners were Central Coast Mariners (Australia), Macarthur (Australia), and Sabah (Malaysia), while the best runner-up was Phnom Penh Crown (Cambodia). Some of the standout players from this zone were Central Coast Mariners' forward Matt Simon, who scored six goals, Macarthur's midfielder Markel Susaeta, who provided four assists, and Sabah's goalkeeper Robson Rendy, who kept four clean sheets.
Knockout Stage Draw
The knockout stage draw was conducted on December 28, 2023, at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The draw divided the 12 teams into two pots: West Zone and Inter-Zone Playoff. The knockout stage matches will be single-leg ties, with the winners advancing to the next round. Here are the pairings for the knockout stage:
West Zonal Semi-Finals
The West Zonal semi-finals will see Lebanon's Al Ahed meeting Iraq’s Al Kahrabaa, while Oman's Al Nahda will play Al Riffa of Bahrain. The semi-finals will be played on January 20 and 21, 2024. The winners of the West Zonal semi-finals will face each other in the West Zonal final on February 20, 2024. The West Zonal champions will also host the AFC Football Cup final on March 5, 2024.
Inter-Zone Semi-Finals
The Inter-Zone semi-finals will see Australia's Macarthur hosting the Central Zonal champions, while Cambodia's Phnom Penh Crown will entertain the South Zonal champions. The semi-finals will be played on January 22 and 23, 2024. The winners of the Inter-Zone semi-finals will face each other in the Inter-Zone final on February 22, 2024. The Inter-Zone champions will play the West Zonal champions in the AFC Football Cup final on March 5, 2024.
Knockout Stage Preview
The knockout stage of the AFC Football Cup 2023/24 promises to be thrilling and unpredictable, as the 12 teams will fight for glory and a spot in the AFC Champions League. Here are some of the key factors, strengths, and weaknesses of each team:
Al Ahed
Al Ahed are the reigning champions of the AFC Football Cup, having won the title in 2019. The Lebanese side have a strong defensive record, having conceded only two goals in the group stage. They also have a balanced squad, with experienced players like Mehdi Khalil, Hussein Dakik, and Mohamad Haidar, and young talents like Nader Matar, Hassan Chaito, and Ahmad Zreik. Al Ahed will be confident of defending their crown, but they will face a tough challenge from Al Kahrabaa, who have a potent attack and a home advantage.
Al Kahrabaa
Al Kahrabaa are the surprise package of the tournament, having topped their group ahead of Kuwait SC and Al Riffa. The Iraqi side have a prolific offense, having scored 14 goals in the group stage. They also have a resilient spirit, having come back from behind in three of their matches. Al Kahrabaa have a star-studded squad, with players like Amjad Attwan, Mohanad Ali, and Alaa Abbas, who have represented the national team. Al Kahrabaa will be eager to make history, but they will need to improve their defense, which has leaked 10 goals in the group stage.
Al Nahda
Al Nahda are the dark horses of the tournament, having finished as the best group winners in the West Zone. The Omani side have a solid defense, having kept four clean sheets in the group stage. They also have a versatile squad, with players who can play in multiple positions and roles. Al Nahda have a blend of experience and youth, with players like Ahmed Mubarak, Abdulaziz Al Muqbali, and Mohammed Al Ghassani, who have been capped by the national team. Al Nahda will be hopeful of reaching the final, but they will face a stern test from Al Riffa, who have a balanced and cohesive team.
Al Riffa
Al Riffa are the favorites of the tournament, having won all their matches in the group stage. The Bahraini side have a balanced team, with a strong defense, a creative midfield, and a clinical attack. They also have a winning mentality, having clinched the domestic league title in 2021. Al Riffa have a talented squad, with players like Ali Madan, Komail Al Aswad, and Sayed Dhiya, who have been impressive in the tournament. Al Riffa will be aiming to lift their first AFC Football Cup trophy, but they will need to overcome Al Nahda, who have a solid defense and a home advantage.
Macarthur
Macarthur are the newcomers of the tournament, having made their debut in the AFC Football Cup 2023/24. The Australian side have a competitive edge, having played in the AFC Champions League 2022/23, where they reached the round of 16. They also have a quality squad, with players like Mark Milligan, Markel Susaeta, and Matt Derbyshire, who have played in Europe and for the national team. Macarthur will be confident of going far in the tournament, but they will need to be wary of the Central Zonal champions, who have a strong defense and a home advantage.
Central Zonal Champions
The Central Zonal champions will be decided by a playoff match between Abdysh-Ata of Kyrgyzstan and Sogdiana of Uzbekistan, who finished as the group winners of Group E and Group G respectively. The playoff match will be played on January 18, 2024, at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The winner of the playoff match will advance to the Inter-Zone semi-finals, where they will face Macarthur of Australia.
Abdysh-Ata are the surprise leaders of Group E, having edged out Khujand of Tajikistan and Ahal of Turkmenistan on goal difference. The Kyrgyz side have a potent attack, having scored 15 goals in the group stage. They also have a spirited character, having won three of their matches by a one-goal margin. Abdysh-Ata have a young and energetic squad, with players like Mirlan Murzaev, Bakhtiyar Duyshobekov, and Azamat Baymatov, who have been in fine form in the tournament.
Sogdiana are the dominant leaders of Group G, having won all their matches in the group stage. The Uzbek side have a stingy defense, having conceded only one goal in the group stage. They also have a consistent performance, having scored in every match and kept five clean sheets. Sogdiana have a experienced and skillful squad, with players like Sanjar Kuvvatov, Javokhir Sokhibov, and Shohruh Gadoev, who have been influential in the tournament.
Phnom Penh Crown
Phnom Penh Crown are the history-makers of the tournament, having become the first Cambodian club to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Football Cup. The Cambodian side have a resilient defense, having kept three clean sheets in the group stage. They also have a creative attack, having scored 14 goals in the group stage. Phnom Penh Crown have a balanced and cohesive squad, with players like Shintaro Shimizu, Andrés Nieto, and Yudai Ogawa, who have formed a lethal trio in the tournament.
South Zonal Champions
The South Zonal champions will be decided by a playoff match between ATK Mohun Bagan of India and Maziya of Maldives, who finished as the group winners of Group H and Group I respectively. The playoff match will be played on January 19, 2024, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India. The winner of the playoff match will advance to the Inter-Zone semi-finals, where they will face Phnom Penh Crown of Cambodia.
ATK Mohun Bagan are the powerhouse of Group H, having won all their matches in the group stage. The Indian side have a formidable defense, having conceded only two goals in the group stage. They also have a prolific offense, having scored 18 goals in the group stage. ATK Mohun Bagan have a star-studded squad, with players like Roy Krishna, David Williams, and Carl McHugh, who have been outstanding in the tournament.
Maziya are the leaders of Group I, having finished ahead of Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh and Abahani Dhaka of Bangladesh on goal difference. The Maldivian side have a solid defense, having kept four clean sheets in the group stage. They also have a clinical attack, having scored 13 goals in the group stage. Maziya have a talented squad, with players like Mohamed Faisal, Cornelius Stewart, and Ibrahim Mahudhee, who have been impressive in the tournament.
Conclusion
The AFC Football Cup 2023/24 is one of the most prestigious and exciting club competitions in Asia, featuring teams from different regions and zones. The 2023/24 edition of the tournament has reached its knockout stage, where 12 teams will battle it out for the coveted trophy. The knockout stage matches will be single-leg ties, with the winners advancing to the next round. The knockout stage will start on January 18, 2024, and end on March 5, 2024, with the final match between the West Zonal champions and the Inter-Zone champions.
In this article, we have reviewed the group stage results and performances, and previewed the knockout stage draw and matches. We have also analyzed the key factors, strengths, and weaknesses of each team, and made some predictions for the upcoming matches. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative, and that you have learned something new and useful. Thank you for reading, and enjoy the AFC Football Cup 2023/24!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the AFC Football Cup 2023/24 and the knockout stage:
Who are the favorites to win the AFC Football Cup 2023/24?
There is no clear favorite to win the AFC Football Cup 2023/24, as the knockout stage is unpredictable and competitive. However, some of the teams that have a higher chance of winning the tournament are Al Riffa of Bahrain, Macarthur of Australia, and Al Ahed of Lebanon, as they have shown their quality and consistency in the group stage, and have more experience and depth in their squad.
Who are the dark horses to win the AFC Football Cup 2023/24?
Some of the teams that have a lower chance of winning the tournament, but can still surprise and upset the favorites are Al Nahda of Oman, Phnom Penh Crown of Cambodia, and Sogdiana of Uzbekistan, as they have shown their potential and resilience in the group stage, and have a balanced and cohesive team.
Who are the top scorers of the AFC Football Cup 2023/24?
The top scorers of the AFC Football Cup 2023/24 are:
- Mirlan Murzaev (Abdysh-Ata) - 8 goals
- Roy Krishna (ATK Mohun Bagan) - 7 goals
- Shintaro Shimizu (Phnom Penh Crown) - 7 goals
- Ali Madan (Al Riffa) - 6 goals
- Benchy Estama (Taichung Futuro) - 6 goals
- Matt Simon (Central Coast Mariners) - 6 goals
Who are the best players of the AFC Football Cup 2023/24?
Some of the best players of the AFC Football Cup 2023/24 are:
- Markel Susaeta (Macarthur) - The Spanish midfielder has been the creative force and the leader of Macarthur, with four goals and four assists in the group stage. He has also shown his skills, vision, and passing, and has been involved in almost every attack of Macarthur.
- Sanjar Kuvvatov (Sogdiana) - The Uzbek goalkeeper has been the defensive wall and the hero of Sogdiana, with five clean sheets and 22 saves in the group stage. He has also shown his reflexes, agility, and courage, and has made some spectacular and crucial saves for Sogdiana.
- Yudai Ogawa (Phnom Penh Crown) - The Japanese midfielder has been the playmaker and the engine of Phnom Penh Crown, with two goals and four assists in the group stage. He has also shown his passing, dribbling, and shooting, and has created many chances for his teammates.
- Mehdi Khalil (Al Ahed) - The Lebanese goalkeeper has been the savior and the leader of Al Ahed, with four clean sheets and 18 saves in the group stage. He has also shown his reflexes, agility, and courage, and has saved a penalty against Al Riffa.
- Amjad Attwan (Al Kahrabaa) - The Iraqi midfielder has been the catalyst and the star of Al Kahrabaa, with three goals and four assists in the group stage. He has also shown his skills, vision, and passing, and has been involved in almost every attack of Al Kahrabaa.
- Mohamed Faisal (Maziya) - The Maldivian goalkeeper has been the backbone and the hero of Maziya, with four clean sheets and 20 saves in the group stage. He has also shown his reflexes, agility, and courage, and has made some spectacular and crucial saves for Maziya.
How can I support my favorite team in the AFC Football Cup 2023/24?
You can support your favorite team in the AFC Football Cup 2023/24 by watching their matches live on various channels and platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and the AFC website. You can also support your favorite team by wearing their jersey, scarf, or hat, and by cheering for them on social media, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also support your favorite team by sending them messages of encouragement, appreciation, and gratitude, and by wishing them good luck and success.