The sixth edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ kicked off on 15 April 2024 in Qatar. Sixteen teams from across the continent are participating in this tournament, bringing some of Asia's brightest talents to showcase their skills on the field. The tournament features seasoned veterans and rising stars and promises an exhilarating display of skill and passion.
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team takes a closer look at some of the emerging players in the game who are set to leave a lasting impression and capture the hearts of football fans worldwide.
The 19-year-old Ahmed Al Rawi is expected to lead the attack for Ilidio Vale's team. As the brother of Bassam, a two-time AFC Asian Cup-winning defender, Al Rawi has the ability to play anywhere in the front three positions. He has the speed and skills to beat defenders and can also cause damage to the opposition from dead-ball situations. Al Rawi also scored his first goal for the senior national team against Kuwait recently and will be looking to secure his position in the U23 event with an impressive performance.
Jacob Michael Italiano is a European-based athlete who plays for the Australian U23 national team. He has been recognized for his contributions to the Perth Glory during his time in the A-League, where he helped them become Premiers in the 2018-19 season. Additionally, he was a member of the squad that secured third place at the AFC U23 Championship in 2020.
Tao Qianglong played winger for Wuhan Three Towns, a club in the Chinese Super League, and will play forward in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024™. On 24 July 2022, Tao made his debut in international football during a 0-0 draw against Japan in the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship.
Marselino Ferdinan, a 19-year-old Indonesian football player, has over 20 senior caps for Indonesia and recently became their youngest-ever scorer at an AFC Asian Cup. Marselino has already tasted success with the U23 national team, guiding them to a bronze medal finish at the 2021 Southeast Asian Games and then helping them win their first gold medal in 32 years in 2023.
Ali Jasim scored the goal that sent Iraq to a FIFA U20 World Cup, turning the game around against Iran with a moment of brilliance. He's a hallmark of the young Lions of Mesopotamia's game, with pace and quick feet to drive into the opponent's box. He showcased his versatility in AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 with Air Force Club, scoring four times in the group stage.
Kuryu Matsuki, only 20, is the captain of FC Tokyo. He is versatile and can play as a creator or a destructor in midfield. Matsuki was named the AFC Youth Player of the Year 2022 after scoring a goal and an assist in the 2022 edition. He also captained his country to the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™.
Reziq Bani is a striker for the Jordan National U23 Team. He has also played for various Jordanian teams at the U16, U17, U19, and senior levels. He has been a top scorer in several leagues and tournaments, including the U17 and U19 Jordanian leagues, the Asia Cup, and the West Asia Cup. Reziq Bani Hani, who scored winning goals in the qualifiers, is expected to lead Jordan's charge.
Eom Ji-sung is a talented young player in the K League, known for his impressive performances. He helped Gwangju FC get promoted to the top flight and guided them to a third-place finish last season. Eom is a left-winger who likes to dribble and score crucial goals. He recently scored the winner in the WAFF U-23 Championship, helping his team win the title.
This 22-year-old midfielder will be a key player as Kuwait aims to reach the knockout stage for the first time. In September 2023, he was instrumental in helping his team qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ tournament.
Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal bin Mahadi plays as an attacking midfielder or a right winger for the Malaysia Super League club Selangor and the Malaysian national team. On 23 September 2021, he received his first call-up to the senior national team for central training and friendly matches against Jordan and Uzbekistan. Following his call-up to the Malaysian squad, he made his senior international debut in October 2021.
Ahmed Al Ghamdi, a Saudi Pro League player, has scored two goals in six games for Al Ittihad. He aims to help Saudi Arabia defend their title in the AFC U23 Asian Cup. Al Ghamdi dreams of representing his country in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Canada.
Rustam Jamshidovich Soirov played his first senior team match against Bahrain on 7 November 2020. On 17 October 2023, he scored his first international goal against Malaysia in the final match of the 2023 Merdeka Tournament.
The U23 national team's defender recently delivered an impressive performance against Iraq, earning him praise. The team, along with the 18-year-old Erawan Garnier, displayed a clinical performance, scoring a goal in each half and securing a remarkable win.
Sultan Adil, the 19-year-old striker, has scored four goals in his last four matches for the senior national team. He's a key player in a challenging group with Japan, Korea Republic, and China PR. Adil has a lot of potential and could succeed Ali Mabkhout as the UAE's all-time top scorer if he performs well at the AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Husain Norchaev, a 22-year-old striker from Uzbekistan, made a name for himself during the 2020/21 season with FC Nasaf. He scored hat-tricks against Afghanistan and Hong Kong, China, and a remarkable display of three goals against ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup. In 2022, he helped Uzbekistan reach the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, but they lost to the Saudis.
Vietnam is likely to progress to the knockout stage in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ tournament, and Nguyen Thái Son is one of the star Vietnamese footballers who plays defensive midfield for the V-League and the Vietnam U23 national team.
Source: AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™
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