Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com roams around social media to see what the continent's stars have been up to with just over two weeks to go until the AFC Asian Cup kicks-off.
Excitement is building up, love is in the air and there were celebrations of success and throwbacks to childhood years. All in this week's social wrap, with posts from Syria, Japan, Qatar and India.
Counting the Days
As we edge ever closer to the continental showpiece, it is not just the fans who are excited. Players from across the continent are relishing the prospect of testing themselves against the best in the UAE. Syria midfielder Amro Al Midani took to Instagram to mark 30 days to kick-off. It is safe to say the 24-year-old is looking forward to January!
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30 days !! ??️ #منتخب_سوريا #dubai #damascus #syria #
Brotherly Love
Al Sadd emerged 3-1 victorious in the top-of-the-table clash against rivals Al Duhail to move two points clear at the summit of the Qatar Stars League. There were no hard feelings at the final whistle, especially at the Afif house. Al Sadd's Akram Afif posted a photo of him sharing a moment of family love with his older brother, Al Duhail's Ali Afif.
A lot of words ️ #mybrother pic.twitter.com/OEUVDUhWIt
— Akram Afíf اگرم عفيف (@akramafif_) December 11, 2018
Striking Gold
Australia's Andrew Nabbout celebrated his first taste of silverware in Japan as he helped club side Urawa Red Diamonds win the 2018 Emperor's Cup with a 1-0 win over Vegalta Sendai in the final. The 25-year-old joined Urawa in March and will now look forward to participating in the 2019 AFC Champions League, just after the small matter of the AFC Asian Cup is out of the way!
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CHAMPIONS #WeAreReds
Having a ball
Football and romance don't mix? Think again. India captain Sunil Chhetri and his wife Sonam Bhattacharya celebrated their first wedding anniversary by sharing a game of keepy-uppy. Granted, it was just a balloon, but Mrs Chhetri showed impressive skills in the short clip shared by her husband. Learning from the best, we dare say.
Brought in the anniversary with a few keepy-uppies. We should be able to celebrate the second one with a football instead of a balloon. pic.twitter.com/IHFzEvmzMr
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) December 6, 2018
Back to school
Japan's Daniel Schmidt was in nostalgic mood as he paid a visit to Hachiman Elementary School, where it all began for him. The 26-year-old goalkeeper shared a kickabout with the kids at the Gymnasium and provided inspiration advice for the kids who will look forward to seeing a graduate of their school competing at the highest level of international football in UAE next month.
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小学校4年まで通ってた八幡小学校に行ってきました。 生徒さんたちの笑顔が見れてとても嬉しかったです！！子供たちからもらったパワーを力に変えてアジアカップ頑張りたいと思います！ 5年生のみんなありがとう！ 先生方もありがとうございました！ 懐かしかったなあ、校舎も体育館も…久々に母校に行くのっていいもんですね。 久々に見たメタセコイヤ小さく見えたけど…気のせい？俺がデカくなっただけ？ #ベガルタ仙台 #シュミットダニエル #八幡小学校 #縄跳び #けん玉 #思い出めちゃある
Source: the-afc.com