East Asia Leagues Wrap: Beijing FC slip up as CSL has new league leaders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Leagues Wrap: Beijing FC slip up as CSL has new league leaders

Kuala Lumpur: Five of East Asia's Member Associations saw domestic league action on the weekend with plenty of drama and excitement to be savoured.

There was significant movement in the title chase in China PR and Korea Republic on the weekend, the J.League continues to intrigue, and the action in Mongolia and Chinese Taipei recommenced after a break in the season.

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Transfer watch: All of Asia's moves

Kuala Lumpur: With the transfer window set to close soon, teams are bolstering their ranks with various national leagues kicking off over the coming days. 

The-AFC.com highlights the ins and outs across the Continent.

The race to be crowned three-time champions

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The race to be crowned three-time champions

Kuala Lumpur: One of the striking things about the 2019 AFC Champions League knockout rounds is the number of former Continental champions still in with a chance of glory.

Ahead of the Round of 16, the quartet of Guangzhou Evergrande, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Kashima Antlers and Urawa Red Diamonds in the East Zone had all won the coveted trophy, while in the West, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad and Al Sadd had done likewise.

With two-time winners Jeonbuk having now departed, there are five former AFC Champions League winners still in the mix. Three of those sides, meanwhile, will look to create history by becoming the first team to lift the trophy on three occasions – the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the trio.

Bento: Objective remains the same for Korea Republic

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bento: Objective remains the same for Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will remain true to the style they have developed under Paulo Bento, the Portuguese head coach said after Wednesday’s Asian Qualifiers draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 at AFC House.

Drawn alongside Lebanon, DPR Korea, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka in a logistically-challenging Group H, Bento said that, while the approach may vary slightly for individual opponents, Korea Republic’s overarching philosophy will remain.

“Preparations, until now have, been good,” said the 50-year-old, who led Sporting and Olympiacos to silverware in European club football.

Kawasaki Frontale stun Chelsea

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Kawasaki Frontale stun Chelsea

Kawasaki: J-League Champions Kawasaki Frontale pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory against Chelsea in friendly at Yokohama on Friday.

Kawasaki striker Leandro Damiao headed in a Kengo Nakamura cross from a close range in the 87th minute to clinch the upset in front of 61,012 spectators.

Chelsea struggled to find the net despite waves of attacks, with Kawasaki players cautious in defence, particularly before the break.

Groups finalised for Qatar 2022 & China 2023 race

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Groups finalised for Qatar 2022 & China 2023 race

Kuala Lumpur: The Round Two draw of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 concluded in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday.

The draw, conducted by FIFA Director of Competitions Christian Unger and Australian legend Tim Cahill, saw Asia's top ranked team Islamic Republic of Iran pooled in Group C alongside Iraq, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Cambodia.

Iran will be aiming for a third consecutive appearance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, having narrowly missed on qualifying for the knockout stage in Russia 2018.

5 Big Impact Summer Arrivals

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 Big Impact Summer Arrivals

Kuala Lumpur: As the 2019 AFC Cup moves towards its latter stages, many of the remaining sides battling it out for Continental glory may look to bring in new personnel who they hope can be the difference between success and failure.  

Over the years a number of teams have reaped the rewards for luring fresh faces ahead of the business end of the competition – the-AFC.com has picked out five of the biggest-impact summer signings.