Qatar coach Mohammud Shafie (right) and Korea Republic head coach Byun Sung-hwan shake hands on the eve of the match.
Former champions Korea Republic and Qatar both expect to hit the ground running when they square off in Group B of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 today.
Korea Republic, winners of the AFC U16 Championship in 1986 and 2002, will be up against a Qatari side who were champions in 1990 with both aiming to end their long waits for the title.
Qatar coach Ibrahim Mohammud Shafie said that his Qatari side has matured under Qatar’s Aspire Academy.
“We are thrilled to be here and hope to give our best performance and aspire to succeed in this tournament,” said Shafie.
“Our preparations for this tournament began a long time ago, not just for this tournament as these boys have been training at the Aspire Academy for the past six years.
“Our preparation has been excellent, including participation in various tournaments and friendlies. We even had the opportunity to play against China PR and we are fully prepared to compete in our group.”
“It has been 33 years since we last won the title and now we have the opportunity to win it. It is within our grasp and I believe we are well prepared to repeat this feat," he said.
The players are highly motivated and are determined to give their all to achieve our target,” the coach added. (AFC)
