Emir Qatar Praises 2023 Asian Cup Opening Ceremony: Better Than I Imagine

The opening ceremony of the 2023 Asian Cup at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar (doc. AFC).

JAKARTA - The 2023 Asian Cup opened with a magnificent ceremony at the Lusail Stadium on Friday, January 12, 2024.

The opening ceremony of the tournament was attended directly by Emir or the Head of Qatar Administration, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani praised Qatar's opening ceremony and all preparations to host the 2023 Asian Cup.

"Given that the 2022 World Cup was held here a year ago, my expectations were high. What we experienced was far greater than anything I could imagine," said Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Ansari on the AFC official website.

The opening ceremony begins with a spectacular theater show entitled The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh based on an ancient fairy tale of the same name.

The show has the meaning of celebrating the diverse spirit of friendship in Asia, beyond borders and language.

Also enlivening the show were Qatari captain Hassan Al Haydos and Palestinian player Musab Battat to take the player's oath. The atmosphere of the lighting game is increasingly beautified by the stunning fireworks performance followed by the performance of the Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme.

After the opening ceremony was over, Lusail Stadium became the opening arena for the 2023 Asian Cup which brought together Qatar's hosts against Lebanon. The match belonged to Qatar after winning three goals without reply.

Akram Afif scored two goals in that match. Almoez Ali's one goal completes Qatar's victory in the inaugural match of Group A of the 2023 Asian Cup.