ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Gamba through with derby win; Elephants’ perfect run ends

Mon, 19 Jun, 2023

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Gamba through with derby win; Elephants’ perfect run ends

Hong Kong: Gamba Osaka edged Cerezo Osaka 1-0 in a must-win derby encounter on Sunday and progressed to the quarter-finals of the J.League Cup in Japan, but defending champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima exited the competition after a 2-1 defeat to Nagoya Grampus in their final group stage fixture.

In Laos, reigning champions and leaders Young Elephants had their perfect start to the league campaign snapped following a goalless draw against Lao Army on Saturday, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN and East Asia.

Mosimane appointed Al Wahda head coach

Sun, 18 Jun, 2023

Mosimane appointed Al Wahda head coach

Riyadh: Pitso Mosimane has been appointed head coach of Al Wahda FSCC, the UAE Pro League club have announced.

“Al Wahda Football Company announces the appointment of Pitso Mosimane from South Africa to lead the first team,” said the Abu Dhabi based club on Twitter.
 
“The club board welcomes Mosimane to the home of champions and wishes him the best of luck in meeting the expectations of the club’s leadership and supporters.”

India defeat Lebanon; Singapore held by Solomon Islands

Mon, 19 Jun, 2023

India defeat Lebanon; Singapore held by Solomon Islands

Bangkok: India lifted the four-nation Intercontinental Cup title after defeating Lebanon 2-0 in the final on Sunday. 

Singapore, meanwhile, played to a 1-1 draw with Solomon Islands in a friendly. 

India’s resilience against Vietnam satisfies Fernandes

Sun, 18 Jun, 2023

India’s resilience against Vietnam satisfies Fernandes

Bangkok: Head coach Bibiano Fernandes hailed his team’s efforts as India came from behind to finish their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 Group D match against Vietnam with a 1-1 draw.

Despite being in control for much of the first half, India ended up conceding just before the break and continued to trail until Malenmgamba Thokchom’s 69th minute strike earned the Blue Colts a point.

Uzbekistan’s Saidov content with Japan stalemate

Sun, 18 Jun, 2023

Uzbekistan’s Saidov content with Japan stalemate

Bangkok: Amirbek Saidov was happy with the shared points following Uzbekistan’s 1-1 draw with Japan in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 Group D opener on Saturday.

With the score at 1-0 and the match seemingly headed towards a Japanese victory, Uzbekistan turned the tables with a brilliant move as Ollobergan Karimov's skillful touch found Saidov, who showed impressive composure to slot home in the 83rd minute.

Queiroz sets clear targets for Qatar

Sat, 17 Jun, 2023

Queiroz sets clear targets for Qatar

Doha: After leading the Islamic Republic of Iran at three consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, Carlos Queiroz is now focused on helping Qatar defend their AFC Asian Cup ™ title and guiding the Gulf state through to the Finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He talks to the-AFC.com about his new role and his plans for the future. 

With a resume like that possessed by Carlos Queiroz it would be tempting to relax a little and wind down towards retirement. But as the Portuguese coach approaches half a century in the game, ambition still burns bright as he settles into his latest job with a renewed sense of purpose.
 
The former Real Madrid and Portugal head coach, who has worked in the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Japan in a globe-trotting career that included two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, celebrated his 70th birthday in March, soon after signing on to replace Felix Sanchez at the helm of the Qatar national team.