Pathum Thani, Thailand: The first match of the AFC U17 Asian CupTM Thailand 2023, against the Republic of Korea, is the main focus for Qatar, said coach Ibrahim Mohammud Shafie on Thursday.       Former champions Korea Republic will face a Qatari team that last won the AFC U16 Championship in 1990. Korea Republic won the tournament in 1986 and 2002.       Qatar, impressed in the qualifying group held in Oman; however, they will be matched by a Korean side bolstered by the successes of their older peers in the FIFA U20 World Cup recently concluded in Argentina.       "After a 33-year trophy drought, we are taking on this task with a clear aim in mind. It is within our grasp and I believe we are well prepared to repeat this feat. The players are highly motivated and are determined to give their all to achieve our target. We played several friendlies before this tournament, most recently a 3-0 victory against Thailand.” Shafie remarked in the pre-match conference.       He added, "The players are confident, and I know they'll give it their all on the field. I think they'll demonstrate what this squad is capable of."       He was adamant in stressing the importance of the opening match to the outcome of the group, “Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic and Afghanistan are highly competitive teams and we are fully prepared to compete against them. Our main focus is on the first game, and we will give our absolute best on the field.       The other matchday1 match of the group between Iran and Afghanistan will follow the match.