Doha, Qatar: China coach Aleksandar Jankovic said Sunday his side's Group A clash with hosts and defending champions Qatar in the imminent AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 would be a tough challenge.
Speaking to the media immediately after the Chinese team touched down in Doha, the Serbian hailed his side's performance in their three-week preparation camp in Abu Dhabi and lauded the juniors and rising stars who mostly form his squad.
Both sides will clash on Jan. 22 at the Khalifa International Stadium in a group that also includes Lebanon and Tajikistan. Their group stage opener will be against Tajikistan on Jan. 13 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa venue.
The tournament will kick off Jan. 12 and runs through Feb. 10, 2024 with 24 teams in action.
