DOHA, QATAR: The 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup kicked off in Qatar, setting a new attendance record and showcasing the latest advancements in football officiating.
A staggering 82,490 fans packed the iconic Lusail Stadium to witness the opening match between hosts Qatar and Lebanon, shattering the previous record of 40,000 set in 2004. The electric atmosphere propelled Qatar to a 3-0 victory thanks to a brace from Akram Afif and a header from Almoez Ali, who now sits joint-second on the all-time AFC Asian Cup scoring charts.
This year’s tournament also marks the debut of the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) system in an AFC competition. Working alongside the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), SAOT promises faster and more accurate offside decisions, making the AFC the first Confederation to implement it at the men’s national team level.
With Qatar hosting its record-third Asian Cup, the action continues today with three more matches. Australia faces India in the first Group B clash, followed by Chinal taking on Tajikistan in Group A. The day wraps up with Uzbekistan versus Syria in Group B.
The opening ceremony featured a stunning musical performance inspired by “Kalila and Damna,” a timeless tale of coexistence, understanding, and cooperation, reflecting the spirit of the tournament. The story was told through five chapters, blending poetic visuals, a large-scale musical production, innovative technical theater, and characters and costumes representing the diverse cultures of the 24 participating nations.
This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle of football, technology, and cultural celebration, solidifying the Asian Cup’s position as one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
