Central Asian futsal’s next generation set to shine at CAFA U19 Championship

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Central Asian futsal’s next generation set to shine at CAFA U19 Championship

Bishkek: Future stars will emerge as Kyrgyz Republic plays host to Central Asia’s brightest futsal talents at the CAFA U19 Futsal Championship, starting Saturday.

Five teams will battle for regional bragging rights over five Matchdays at Bishkek’s Gazprom Arena, with every CAFA Member Association except for Turkmenistan taking part in the inaugural U19 event.
 
Played on a round-robin basis, the tournament will not only provide a platform for the region’s next generation of senior internationals but deliver competitive preparation for regional and continental competitions to come over the next two years.

Third-Place Playoff - Preview: Al Hilal SFC v Al Ahly

Sat, 12 Feb, 2022

Third-Place Playoff - Preview: Al Hilal SFC v Al Ahly

Abu Dhabi: AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal SFC eye a first-ever medal at the FIFA Club World Cup when they take on African champions Al Ahly in the third-place playoff of the UAE 2021 edition on Saturday.

The Saudis had put on a stellar performance against Chelsea in the semi-finals but were edged out by a Romelu Lukaku goal following a defensive mistake while their opponents, Al Ahly, were beaten 2-0 by Brazilian side Palmeiras in the earlier semi-final fixture.

Esteghlal snap up Uzbekistan’s Amonov

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Esteghlal snap up Uzbekistan’s Amonov

Tehran: Iran Pro League leaders FC Esteghlal have strengthened their bid for a first league title since 2013, securing the services of Uzbekistan international Azizbek Amonov on Friday.

The former PFC Lokomotiv midfielder joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal and follows Rudy Gestede and Arthur Yamga in joining Farhad Majidi’s squad this season.

AFC referees to officiate in FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

AFC referees to officiate in FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final

Abu Dhabi: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s talented match officials have been appointed to take charge of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final between Chelsea and Palmeiras on Saturday.

Australian referee Chris Beath and assistant referees Anton Shchetinin and Ashley Beecham will officiate the anticipated final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium while Ammar Aljneibi from the UAE has been selected as support Video Assistant Referee (VAR). 

Maatouk to helm Syria

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Maatouk to helm Syria

Damascus: The Syrian Football Association has announced the appointment of Ghassan Maatouk as head coach of the men's national team. 

Maatouk will be tasked with leading Syria in their remaining AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar Group A matches against Lebanon and Iraq in March. Maatouk, 44, replaces Romanian Valeriu Tita.

Shahad takes charge of Iraq

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Shahad takes charge of Iraq

Baghdad:  Abdul Ghani Shahad has been named as the new head coach of the Iraq men’s national team.

The 53-year-old replaces Montenegrin Zeljko Petrovic following Iraq’s poor results in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar.

IR Iran stay top in latest FIFA Rankings

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

IR Iran stay top in latest FIFA Rankings

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran have maintained their position as Asia’s top team, sitting in 21st spot in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday. 

Team Melli were the first Asian team to confirm their spot in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after beating Iraq on Matchday Seven of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar with Dragan Skocic’s side having won seven and drawn one of their eight matches en route to qualifying impressively.