Necovski stars as Australia edge Thailand to lift title

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Necovski stars as Australia edge Thailand to lift title

Solo: Captain Jayden Necovski hit the winning spot-kick as Australia clinched their third ASEAN U16 Championship after defeating Thailand 8-7 on penalties on Wednesday.

Having emerged champions in 2008 and 2018, the Joeys showed nerves of steel to edge the War Elephants in the shootout at the Manahan Stadium after Thailand’s Chatchawat Sahanunchaichid failed to convert his penalty. 

Brazilian Marlon bolsters Al Ain ranks

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Brazilian Marlon bolsters Al Ain ranks

Dubai: Two-time AFC Champions League™ winners Al Ain FC have added Brazilian defender Marlon Santos to their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Santos, who turns 29 in September, joins Al Ain from Fluminense, having been on loan with the Brazilian side from his parent club Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine.

Oiwa: Medal remains Japan's target

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Oiwa: Medal remains Japan's target

Tokyo: Go Oiwa said Japan are still aiming to win their first men's Olympics football medal since 1968 despite not including any overage players in his 18-strong squad on Wednesday.

Even Takefusa Kubo, despite being eligible age wise, was not included with officials admitting several players who had been considered were not released by their European clubs.

Each squad is allowed to register three overage players for the under-23 men's Olympics football tournament.

Group B: 5 Takeaways

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Group B: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 promises fascinating duels as the six teams look to book a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ahead of the action kicking off on September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the group, which will feature Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait.

Rui Bento steps down as Kuwait head coach

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Rui Bento steps down as Kuwait head coach

Kuwait City: Kuwait Football Association announced the departure of head coach Rui Bento on Tuesday.

The Portuguese, who took over the helm in 2022, leaves his post having helped Kuwait return to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time since the 2006 edition.

Group A: 5 Takeaways

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Group A: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Thursday's FIFA World Cup 26 Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 produced some fascinating outcomes.

As the 18 teams start preparing for the action to kick off on September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts, starting with Group A.

Japan's Kamada joins Crystal Palace

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Japan's Kamada joins Crystal Palace

London: Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada has signed for Crystal Palace from Lazio, the English Premier League club announced on Monday.

The two-year deal, which is subject to international clearance, has been agreed following the end of Kamada's contract with the Serie A side.

It also sees the Japan international reunited with Oliver Glasner after the 27-year-old played under the Palace manager at Eintracht Frankfurt, where Kamada scored 40 goals in 179 appearances.

ASEAN Wrap: Nam Dinh crowned Vietnamese champions; JDT win big in FA Cup

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

ASEAN Wrap: Nam Dinh crowned Vietnamese champions; JDT win big in FA Cup

Kuala Lumpur: Nam Dinh emerged as the Vietnamese champions with one game to spare after they defeated bottom side Khanh Hoa 5-1 on Tuesday, courtesy of a Rafaelson hat-trick, and celebrated their V.League 1 triumph with a 3-1 win against Quang Nam in their final league outing on Sunday. 

Johor Darul Ta’zim all but confirmed a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup in Malaysia after they posted a 5-0 win against Malaysian University in the quarter-final first leg on Saturday while Terengganu FC, Kuching City and Kedah Darul Aman all have leads to protect going into this week’s return fixtures.
 
In Singapore, leaders Lion City Sailors dropped points for the first time this season letting Tampines Rovers move level on points with them at the top while Kaya FC-Iloilo maintained a one-point lead over Cebu FC in the Philippines, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN.

Central & West Asia Wrap: Al Wehdat clinch Jordan Cup; AGMK stunned

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

Central & West Asia Wrap: Al Wehdat clinch Jordan Cup; AGMK stunned

Tashkent: Al Wehdat denied Al Hussein a double after edging the league champions in the Jordan FA Cup final on Saturday.

In Iraq, Al Shorta hold a five-point lead at the top while the Uzbekistan Super League title race opened up following Quzilqum’s shock win over leaders FC AGMK, while Dordoi Bishkek climbed to the top in the Kyrgyz League.

Istiklol continued to cruise in Tajikistan so join the-AFC.com as we recap the latest domestic action across Central and West Asia.