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A glittering cast of Asian football’s who’s who will add lustre to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup – Qatar final draw ceremony on Thursday in Doha, Qatar, when Asia’s top 24 teams discover their path to ultimate glory amidst the glamorous setting of the Katara Opera House.
No less than seven Asian football luminaries will be present to lend a helping hand to the chief draw conductor AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John in unveiling the fate of the teams in the four pots when the highly anticipated spectacle kicks off at 2pm Qatar time.
The illustrious draw assistants have been specially selected to represent the AFC’s five zones that will compete in the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel and need little by way of introduction.
Fittingly, Hassan Al Haydos, who captained the Maroons to a historic maiden triumph in the previous edition of the AFC Asian Cup, leads the ensemble, which also includes two-time AFC Asian Footballer of the Year, Server Djeparov.
They will be joined by the world-renowned duo of South Korea legend Park Ji-sung, one of the most successful Asian footballers in history, and Australian icon Tim Cahill.
And, in a remarkable and welcome first for the flagship draw, a trailblazing trio of women – Yoshimi Yamashita, Sun Wen and Maymol Rocky – round off the group of draw assistants.
Top Japanese referee Yamashita became one of the first women to ever officiate at the men’s FIFA World Cup when she took the field during the 2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar, while Sun, the former China captain who won both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup – USA, is regarded as one of the game’s greatest ever players.
Maymol Rocky, the first female to lead India’s women’s national team in 2017 and the current head coach of their U-20 women’s side, will also take the stage.
AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, said, “After just over three years of intense and thrilling action in the Qualifiers, all eyes will rightly be on the Final Draw that will take place on Thursday.”
“The excitement to discover the fate of Asia’s finest is palpable and I am very confident that the AFC, along with the Qatar Football Association and the Local Organising Committee, will deliver a world-class event.”
“I am also certain that everyone is looking forward to the presence of our Asian football stars, whose involvement will enhance the prestige and glamour of the Draw right here in Doha.”
Hassan Al Haydos said, “It will be an incredibly special moment to be able to lead Qatar out on home soil on the biggest stage in Asian football and defend our trophy, right in front of my amazing countrymen.”
“To have the AFC Asian Cup here for a historic third time and 12 years after it was last held here is a great honour for us. I have every faith that we will stage a spectacular tournament, starting with the Final Draw, as we welcome everyone to our incredible nation.”
With every team eager to discover their fate, the head coaches of all 24 sides are expected to be in attendance for proceedings, which will be hosted by well-known sports anchor, John Dykes.
Park Ji-sung, whose final AFC Asian Cup tournament came in 2011 when he led South Korea to a third-place finish, added, “It is a great pleasure for me to be part of the Final Draw in Doha, among my fellow Asian stars, as we take another huge step towards the 2023 AFC Asian Cup – Qatar.”
“I still have good memories from my time at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup – Qatar and the country has only gone from strength to strength since as hosts, so I am sure that the 2023 edition will be a bigger and better affair.”
Follow the-AFC.com for all the latest news and updates on the 2023 AFC Asian Cup – Qatar!
