The tournament in the UAE brings together a diverse collection of nations, from the giants of champions Japan to little-known competitors from the likes of Turkmenistan.
Here are the profiles of the sides from Groups E and F:
Group E
Saudi Arabia
Star player: Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal)
Coach: Juan Antonio Pizzi
Though the World Cup 2018 qualifiers may no longer be able to call upon 100-cap veterans like Osama Hawsawi, there remains more than enough quality at Pizzi’s disposal. The Green Falcons won a third – and so far final – Asian Cup in the UAE 23 years ago and are real contenders for a repeat.
Best result: Champions (1984, 1988, 1996)
Verdict: Semi-finals
Qatar
Star player: Abdulkarim Hassan (Al Sadd)
Coach: Felix Sanchez Bas
Qatar have regularly flattered to deceive at the Asian Cup.
They were Gulf Cup winners in 2014 though and there is sure to be some added pressure to perform well, given they will host the next World Cup in 2022. The Maroons have only lost two games in their last 12 and have selected a crop of talented young players.
Best result: Group stage (1984, 1988)
Verdict: Round of 16
Lebanon
Star player: Hassan Maatouk (Nejmeh)
Coach: Miodrag Radulovic
The Cedars return to the finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2000. They will be up against it in a group containing heavyweights Saudi Arabia. But pick up a win in their opening game against in-form Qatar – with Hassan Maatouk still key – in Al Ain and anything is possible.
Best result: Group stage (2000)
Verdict: Group stage
North Korea
Star player: Han Kwang-song (Perugia)
Coach: Kim Yong-jun
It’s difficult to gauge how optimistic the North Koreans will be heading into the tournament based on the fact coach Kim was appointed only on December 13. There is an unpredictable feel to the squad, although there is some excitement surrounding promising teenager Han. He is on loan at Serie B-side Perugia, and was linked to Juventus last season.
Best result: Fourth (1980)
Verdict: Group stage
GROUP F
Japan
Star player: Ritsu Doan (Groningen)
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu
After a dismal group-stage exit in 2014, pride was restored at the World Cup as Japan made the round of 16.
Their U-23 side then took silver at the Asian Games, so there will be a real sense that the men from the Land of the Rising Sun can eclipse the competition and earn a record-extending fifth title.
Best result: Champions (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011)
Verdict: Champions
Uzbekistan
Star player: Sardor Rashidov (Lokomotiv Tashkent)
Coach: Hector Cuper
Ex-Valencia, Inter Milan and Egypt boss Cuper has not wasted time leaving an
imprint on the Uzbeks. His squad represents something of a gamble, with several big names – such as Igor Sergeev – omitted. The White Wolves also look a little toothless in attack. Forward Rashidov must show UAE fans what he can do after a joyless spell with Al Jazira.
Best result: Fourth (2011)
Verdict: Group stage
Oman
Star player: Ahmed Kano (Al Mesaimeer)
Coach: Pim Verbeek
The Reds have never been beyond the group stage at the continental tournament.
But as one of two countries to share a border with the hosts, they’ll want to make themselves at home.
They were dealt a blow on the eve of the tournament with star goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi ruled out through injury.
Best result: Ninth place (2004)
Verdict: Group stage
Turkmenistan
Star player: Arslanmyrat Amanov (Altyn Asyr)
Coach: Yazguly Hojageldyyew
There won’t be too much expectation on the Emeralds to shine at just their second-ever Asian Cup. The fledgling nation only played its first game as an independent country in 1992, then taking 12 years to make a continental bow. The squad is based upon the dominance of their domestic champions Altyn Asyr, with 11 players drawn from them.
Best result: Group stage (2004)
Verdict: Group stage
