Japan's Moriyasu picks two squads for Asian Qualifiers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan's Moriyasu picks two squads for Asian Qualifiers

Tokyo: Hajime Moriyasu has named two squads for the Samurai Blues' upcoming Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, with the Japan coach selecting an overseas-based line-up for May’s meeting with Myanmar before a squad made up of players based in Japan and Europe play the rest of the country’s matches in June.

Maya Yoshida, Hiroki Sakai and Wataru Endo are among those selected to play against Myanmar in the Group F meeting on May 28 but who were not included in the squad that will take on Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic on June 7 and June 15 respectively.

Victory over Myanmar at the Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba will guarantee Japan’s place in the next third round of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and will also book them a place in the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

2021 AFC Cup: Who was the star player of the Central Zone?

Tue, 30 Nov, -0001

2021 AFC Cup: Who was the star player of the Central Zone?

Bishkek: It was the week where Central Asian football returned to the spotlight, with nine 2021 AFC Cup matches in two cities capturing the imagination of the region.

Ahal FC and FC Nasaf achieved perfect winning records to advance to the Zonal finals, but players from across Central Asia emerged as outstanding contributors in Groups E and F, and we’ve selected six of the best.

With players from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan on the list, study our standout players and vote for your favourite.

Al Faisaly must be sharper, says Al Saed after AFC Cup victory over Al Ama'ari Center

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Faisaly must be sharper, says Al Saed after AFC Cup victory over Al Ama'ari Center

Amman: Al Faisaly may have started their 2021 AFC Cup Group C campaign with a win against Al Ama'ari Center but head coach Hussam Al Saed want his players to be more clinical in front of goal.

A first half own goal from Al Ama’ari Center defender Tawfiq Abduhammad was followed by Ahmed Ersan's second half strike as the Jordanian side took the points at the Amman International Stadium on Friday.

Abu Abed rues Al Salt's mistakes, Hamdani relieved with Muharraq's winning start to AFC Cup

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Abu Abed rues Al Salt's mistakes, Hamdani relieved with Muharraq's winning start to AFC Cup

Amman: Head coach Jamal Abu Abed was left to lament lapses in concentration and minor mistakes following Al Salt's 1-0 defeat to Bahrain's Muharraq Club in their 2021 AFC Cup Group B opener on Friday.

A 42nd minute goal from Ismail Abdullatif at King Abdullah II Stadium separated the two sides as the 2008 AFC Cup champions opened this year’s campaign in style.

Al Ahed’s Marmar happy with opening AFC Cup stalemate, result disappoints Al Wahda’s Hakeem

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Ahed’s Marmar happy with opening AFC Cup stalemate, result disappoints Al Wahda’s Hakeem

Manama: Al Ahed FC head coach Bassem Marmar chose to look at the bright side after the 2019 AFC Cup winners were held 0-0 by Syria’s Al Wahda in Group A of this year’s competition on Friday.

The two sides failed to find a breakthrough at the Sheikh Ali Bin Mohammed Stadium in Manama, meaning neither can afford to slip-up against hosts Al Hidd in the three-team Group A.

Al Ansar were made to work by Balata Center for opening AFC Cup victory, admits Jaspert

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Ansar were made to work by Balata Center for opening AFC Cup victory, admits Jaspert

Amman: The scoreline may have looked comfortable but head coach Robert Jaspert admitted Al Ansar FC  had to fight hard to secure the 2-0 win against Palestine's Balata Center in their opening 2021 AFC Cup Group B match on Friday.

Mahmoud Kojok and Hassan Maatouk scored second half goals to steer the Lebanese league champions to a perfect start to their AFC Cup challenge, giving them an early lead in the standings after Bahrain's Muharraq Club defeated Al Salt of Jordan 1-0 in the other Group B tie.

Juarez: Kuwait SC were the better team in AFC Cup draw with Tishreen

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Juarez: Kuwait SC were the better team in AFC Cup draw with Tishreen

Amman: Kuwait SC head coach Carlos Juarez said his side were the better team in their 3-3 draw with Syria’s Tishreen in Group C of the 2021 AFC Cup on Friday.

Three-time AFC Cup winners Kuwait SC were close to victory thanks to Faisal Al Harbi's second half strikes but substitute Mohammad Malta salvaged a point for Tishreen with his goal in the eighth minute of added time at the Amman International Stadium .