AFC Asian Cup trophy tour makes stop in Doha

The AFC Asian Cup trophy tour made a stop in Doha yesterday. The glittering trophy was on public display at the Al Bidda Tower, the headquarters of the Qatar Football Association, with fans getting an opportunity to have a closer look at the trophy.
The 17th edition of the Asian Cup will be held in the UAE from the January 5 to February 1. Qatar is in Group E along with Lebanon, North Korea and Saudi Arabia. The trophy began its tour in Hong Kong, then arrived in Doha, and from here it will fly to Japan, Australia and several other Asian countries.
The AFC Asian Cup is the oldest, largest and most prestigious football event in Asia, and the Trophy is one of the most coveted trophies in world sport. It has international stature and significance. The Trophy is almost 50 years in age after Korea Republic won the inaugural AFC Asian Cup in Hong Kong in 1956.
Vice-president of Qatar and Asian Football Confederation Saud al-Mohannadi, Qatar Stars League CEO Hani Ballan, Secretary General of the QFA Mansour al-Ansari, Marketing Manager Khalid al-Kuwari and other officials received the trophy at Al Bidda Tower. Later the trophy was also displayed at Souq Waqif, Katara and the Museum of Islamic Art. Saud al-Mohannadi said the Asian Cup is the most important and most exciting championship in the continent. He believes Qatar have a good chance to lift the trophy but played down the significance of the team’s good run in the recent friendly matches.
“Qatar were at good level in the friendly matches and I wish the success in the Asian Cup. But we must keep in mind that the results in friendly matches are different from the official matches. We are undoubtedly in a difficult group but it won’t be an impossible task for Qatar. Our team has good qualities and will be able to pose a tough challenge,” al-Mohannadi said.
The expanded Asian Cup will see 24 teams vying for honours and al-Mohannadi said the presence of eight additional teams in the tournament will garner excitement. “The increase in teams reflects the development of the tournament, while at the same time giving the opportunity to those teams that have not qualified to play with the strongest teams in the continent. The presence of eight new teams in the tournament may increase excitement, especially if these teams succeed in winning against top teams,” he added.