Updated: AFC U17 and U20 Asian Cup Qualifier Draws set the stage for Asia’s future stars to shine

Mon, 23 May, 2022

Updated: AFC U17 and U20 Asian Cup Qualifier Draws set the stage for Asia’s future stars to shine

Kuala Lumpur: Asian football’s brightest young talents will discover their opponents when the official qualifier draws for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Bahrain 2023™ and AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023™ are staged in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (May 24) at 2pm and 4pm (GMT+8) respectively. 

The back-to-back events mark the full-scale return of elite men’s youth football in Asia since 2018 as Asia’s young talents aim to emulate stars like Iranian Sardar Azmoun, Takumi Minamino from Japan and Qatar’s Akram Afif, who broke through the ranks in the AFC’s age-group competitions. 

Al Ansar's Abu Zema satisfied with draw against Kuwait SC

Thu, 19 May, 2022

Al Ansar's Abu Zema satisfied with draw against Kuwait SC

Seeb: Al Ansar head coach Abdullah Abu Zema commended his side’s fighting spirit as they muscled out a point in a 1-1 draw against three-time AFC Cup™ winners Kuwait SC in their opening match of Group A on Wednesday.

The Kuwaiti side took the lead through Tunisian striker Taha Khenissi just before the half-hour mark, but Al Ansar took the initiative after the restart, pushing forward until they were rewarded with the equaliser 15 minutes from time through substitute Jaime Siaj.

Al Seeb's attacking display in Jableh victory delights Bunjak

Thu, 19 May, 2022

Al Seeb's attacking display in Jableh victory delights Bunjak

Seeb: Head coach Boris Bunjak hailed his Al Seeb side’s attacking efforts after they edged out Syria’s Jableh SC 1-0 to win their opening match of the AFC Cup™ 2022 Group A on Wednesday.

Facing a fellow debutant side, Bunjak’s men conceded play in the early proceedings, but quickly regrouped and grew into the game, finally getting their goal just before the half-time whistle as veteran midfielder Eid Al Farsi hammered home a strike from the edge of the area, which proved to be enough to seal the three points for the group hosts.

Jabar pleased with Dhofar showing, Mahajna expects more from Shabab Al Khalil

Thu, 19 May, 2022

Jabar pleased with Dhofar showing, Mahajna expects more from Shabab Al Khalil

Kuwait City: Head coach Rasheed Jabar hailed his Dhofar Club side’s determination and high concentration which saw them cruise past 10-man Shabab Al Khalil 3-0 in their opening AFC Cup™ 2022 tie on Wednesday. 

The win placed the Omani club top of the standings in Group B ahead of Arabi SC, who beat Al Riffa 3-2 in the day’s earlier match, on goal difference. 

​​Simple approach pays off for Arabi, Al Riffa’s Ashoor rues squandered points

Thu, 19 May, 2022

​​Simple approach pays off for Arabi, Al Riffa’s Ashoor rues squandered points

Kuwait City: Head coach Ante Mise said his team's second half approach was the reason for Arabi SC’s 3-2 victory over Al Riffa in Group B of the AFC Cup™ 2022 on Wednesday.

Ali Hasan Isa and Jasim Al Shaikh gave Al Riffa a two-goal advantage before Arabi fought back with efforts from Ali Khalaf, Ablaye Mbengue and Badr Abdulrahman to seal a thrilling come from behind victory at the Kuwait Sports Club Stadium.

East Riffa proved themselves against Nejmeh, says Motroc

Thu, 19 May, 2022

East Riffa proved themselves against Nejmeh, says Motroc

Muharraq: East Riffa head coach Florin Motroc was proud of players’ determination following their hard-earned 1-1 draw against Nejmeh SC of Lebanon in Group C of the AFC Cup™ 2022 on Wednesday.

After a tepid first half, Abdulah Mubarak put Nejmeh ahead from the penalty spot after the hour mark before a battling East Riffa clawed their way back into the game through Luiz Fernando's stunning curler.

The result leaves both sides with a point, with Nejmeh taking on Hilal Alquds in their Matchday Two fixture on Saturday, while East Riffa will face Tishreen of Syria.

Salman proud of Hilal Alquds, Tishreen's Jabban disappointed with performance

Thu, 19 May, 2022

Salman proud of Hilal Alquds, Tishreen's Jabban disappointed with performance

Muharraq: Tishreen head coach Tareq Jabban did not hide his disappointment after the Syrian side settled for a 0-0 draw with Hilal Alquds in Group C of the AFC Cup™ 2022 on Wednesday.

Victory was for Tishreen's taking after Palestine side Hilal Alquds were reduced to 10 men following Musa Al Tarbin's sending off in the 67th minute, only for the Syrian side to squander the opportunity to kick off their campaign on a resounding note.

Bruzon: It was vital for Bashundhara Kings to defeat Maziya

Thu, 19 May, 2022

Bruzon: It was vital for Bashundhara Kings to defeat Maziya

Kolkata: The importance of opening their AFC Cup™ 2022 campaign on a winning note was not lost on head coach Oscar Bruzon after his Bashundhara Kings defeated Maziya Sports & Recreation Club 1-0 in Group D.

A Nuha Marong goal at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium proved decisive as the Bangladesh champions boosted their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the AFC Cup for the first time. 

Annese hails Gokulam Kerala players after superb win over ATK Mohun Bagan

Thu, 19 May, 2022

Annese hails Gokulam Kerala players after superb win over ATK Mohun Bagan

Kolkata: Head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese paid tribute to his Gokulam Kerala FC players after they opened their AFC Cup™ 2022 Group D campaign with an impressive win over ATK Mohun Bagan on Wednesday.

In a meeting between two Indian sides, I-League champions Gokulam Kerala fully deserved their 4-2 victory over ATK Mohun Bagan.

Luka Majcen bagged a brace and set up another goal for Gokulam Kerala, who scored three times in 15 second-half minutes to stun Indian Super League (ISL) side ATK Mohun Bagan in front of over 30,000 fans at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium.