Europe Wrap: Mitoma nets stunner; Dabbagh bags brace

Tue, 24 Jan, 2023

Europe Wrap: Mitoma nets stunner; Dabbagh bags brace

Kuala Lumpur: Kaoru Mitoma continued his incredible run of form in England’s Premier League as the Japanese star scored his third goal in four league games in his side’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the weekend.

Another Asian in goalscoring form is Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh, who doubled up in Arouca’s big victory over Portimonense in Portugal, while there was a winning debut for Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan in the Netherlands. 
 
Elsewhere, Kyogo Furuhashi remains red-hot in Scotland, Ayase Ueda found the back of the net in Belgium and the Bundesliga returned in Germany, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with how the Asian stars are performing across Europe. 

Park Hang-seo: A Lasting Legacy

Tue, 24 Jan, 2023

Park Hang-seo: A Lasting Legacy

Kuala Lumpur: After just under five and a half years in charge, Park Hang-seo has stepped down from his role as Vietnam head coach following a period of unprecedented success for the Golden Star Warriors, both at senior and U-23 levels.

The Korean tactician has gained legendary status in the Southeast Asian country after bringing through a 'Golden Generation' of talent that excelled both at the regional and continental levels and took Vietnam to new heights in the football world.
 
While last week's 1-0 defeat to Thailand in the second leg of the 2022 AFF Cup final ultimately meant Park could not go out on a high following a 3-2 aggregate loss, he departs with his head held high after a remarkable spell of a side he took charge of in September 2017. 
 
The-AFC.com looks back at his time at the helm.

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Winning return for Buriram; Kitchee lift Senior Shield

Mon, 23 Jan, 2023

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Winning return for Buriram; Kitchee lift Senior Shield

Hong Kong: League action returned to Thailand this week for the first time since November and it was a familiar storyline that emerged as leaders Buriram United overcame Sukhothai 3-0 to continue their unbeaten campaign. 

Kitchee SC prevailed on penalties to win their eighth Hong Kong Senior Shield title at the expense of defending champions Eastern Long Lions, while Persib Bandung edged title rivals Madura United in Indonesia to close the gap on leaders PSM Makassar.
 
And A-League pacesetters Melbourne City dropped points again in Australia, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across ASEAN and East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr give Ronaldo triumphant debut

Mon, 23 Jan, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr give Ronaldo triumphant debut

Doha: Cristiano Ronaldo was not on the scoresheet but that didn't stop Al Nassr from registering a 1-0 win over Ettifaq as they stayed top in Saudi Arabia. 

Sharjah, meanwhile, were held as the UAE Pro League resumed after a month.
 
There was also action in Bahrain, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria so join the-AFC.com as we dive into the latest round of domestic action across West Asia. 

Central & South Asia Wrap: Hyderabad seal playoff spot; Bashundhara Kings, Persepolis firmly in control

Mon, 23 Jan, 2023

Central & South Asia Wrap: Hyderabad seal playoff spot; Bashundhara Kings, Persepolis firmly in control

Mumbai: Hyderabad FC joined Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League playoffs with a 2-0 win over East Bengal FC on Sunday.

In Islamic Republic of Iran, Persepolis have a five-point advantage while Bashundhara Kings made it six wins out of six in Bangladesh.
 
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action in Central and South Asia. 

Marcao leaves Wuhan to sign for Al Ahli

Sun, 22 Jan, 2023

Marcao leaves Wuhan to sign for Al Ahli

Hong Kong: Brazilian striker Marcao has left newly-crowned Chinese Super League champions Wuhan Three Towns and will join Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the Jeddah-based club confirmed on social media.

Marcao scored 27 times in 26 games as Wuhan won the Chinese Super League title for the first time, with the Brazilian finishing the season as the top flight’s leading scorer.