AFF Cup: Matchday Five Preview

Sat, 18 Dec, 2021

AFF Cup: Matchday Five Preview

Singapore: After four action-packed matchdays in the AFF Cup, Singapore and Thailand have booked their semi-final places while Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia will battle it out for the Group B last four berths on an exciting Matchday Five. 

Thailand lead Singapore on goal difference with both teams having registered a perfect three wins and Saturday’s clash at the National Stadium between the two most successful teams in the AFF Cup will determine the group winners. 

Defending champions Vietnam, barring the unexpected, look set to claim a spot from Group B while 2018 runners-up Malaysia - on six points - have to beat Indonesia if they are to advance. 

Azmoun, Tomiyasu, Carpenter and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Wed, 15 Dec, 2021

Azmoun, Tomiyasu, Carpenter and more: Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: The year may be drawing to a close, but Asia’s cohort of players abroad shows little sign of slowing down, delivering another week of excellent performances on the other side of the globe.

It was a seven-day period that produced standout displays in both the men’s and women’s UEFA Champions Leagues, plus brilliance in league action in England, France, Germany and more.

But who was Asia’s best performer outside the continent? Study our carefully selected list of nominees – based on performances from December 7 to 13 – and don’t forget to cast your vote.

2021 AFC Champions League: The Stats Leaders

Thu, 16 Dec, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League: The Stats Leaders

Kuala Lumpur: After Al Hilal SFC’s victory over Pohang Steelers in the 2021 AFC Champions League final last month brought the 19th edition of the continental competition to its conclusion, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the numbers and players that caught the eye during the campaign. 

There were numerous standout performers in what, with a total 40 clubs, was the biggest AFC Champions League in the tournament’s almost two-decade history. 

We break down the statistics to review some of the key categories and those who excelled in them. 

Theerathon moves back to Buriram

Fri, 17 Dec, 2021

Theerathon moves back to Buriram

Buriram: Thailand international defender Theerathon Bunmathan has left J1 League club Yokohama F Marinos to sign for Buriram United, the Japanese outfit have announced.

Theerathon, who is currently in Singapore representing his nation at the AFF Cup, ends a three-year association with Marinos which saw him feature in the side that won the J1 League title in 2019.

Hamdallah joins Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad

Fri, 17 Dec, 2021

Hamdallah joins Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad

Jeddah: 2020 AFC Champions League top scorer Abderrazak Hamdallah has joined Al Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League outfit announced on their Twitter account on Thursday.

“Welcome the new tiger; Abderrazak Hamdallah,” said Al Ittihad on Twitter with the 30-year-old forward joining the two-time AFC Champions League winners on a season and a half contract.

Qatar's title bid ended by Algeria

Thu, 16 Dec, 2021

Qatar's title bid ended by Algeria

Doha: Qatar's hopes of lifting the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 were dashed after a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

It was a heartbreaking loss for Felix Sanchez's side after they had fought back from 1-0 down with Algeria scoring their winner in the 17th minute of second half stoppage time at Al Thumama Stadium.

Algeria will play Tunisia in Saturday's final with Qatar taking on Egypt in the third-place playoff.