ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Jeonbuk stun Ulsan; Tampines go top by beating Sailors

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Jeonbuk stun Ulsan; Tampines go top by beating Sailors

Kuala Lumpur: Only three points separate the top five in Korea Republic as defending champions Ulsan Hyundai suffered a 2-0 defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Saturday and Pohang Steelers emerged as the new league leaders following a 2-1 win over Daejeon Hana Citizen. 

In Singapore, Tampines Rovers produced a 5-0 win against Lion City Sailors in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday and leapfrogged their opponents to the summit while leaders Machida Zelvia were beaten 2-1 by 11th-placed Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

Reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim and Terengganu both gained slender advantages in the first leg of their Malaysia FA Cup semi-final contests while matches also took place in China PR, Myanmar and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN and East Asia.

Men’s Football - Players to Watch

Mon, 15 Jul, 2024

Men’s Football - Players to Watch

Kuala Lumpur: The Paris Olympics Men’s Football Tournament is set to be a spectacle with three Asian teams striving for glory.

Japan, Uzbekistan and Iraq are all determined to produce a medal finish and the-AFC.com takes a look at the players who will be pivotal to their chances.

Ikeda optimistic of Japan’s chances

Sat, 20 Jul, 2024

Ikeda optimistic of Japan’s chances

Paris: Futoshi Ikeda believes Japan can claim their first medal in the women’s competition at the Olympic Games since 20212 by sticking to their own style of football despite being handed a daunting challenge in the group phase of this summer’s tournament.

The Nadeshiko have been drawn to face reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup holders Spain as well as current South American champions Brazil and 11-times African title winners Nigeria at the Paris Games, but Ikeda is refusing to be pessimistic.

Aubameyang joins Al Qadsiah

Fri, 19 Jul, 2024

Aubameyang joins Al Qadsiah

Khobar: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has started the next chapter of his career in Asia following his move to Saudi Pro League outfit, Al Qadsiah.

The Gabon international was signed from French Ligue 1 side Marseille after a prolific 2023/24 campaign which saw him score 30 goals.

Japan stay Asia’s best

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Japan stay Asia’s best

Kuala Lumpur: Japan maintained their position as Asia’s top side in the latest FIFA Men's World Ranking released on Thursday.

The East Asian dropped one spot to 18th, with Islamic Republic of Iran unchanged at 20th.

Pizzi takes charge of Kuwait

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Pizzi takes charge of Kuwait

Kuwait City: Kuwait Football Association (KFA) has announced the appointment of Juan Antonio Pizzi as the men’s national team head coach.

Spaniard Pizzi took over the role vacated by Rui Bento after the Portuguese helped Kuwait return to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time since the 2006 edition.

#AWCL pathway determined

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

#AWCL pathway determined

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 hopefuls learnt their path to glory following the conclusion of the draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The inaugural season kicks off with the preliminary stage which saw 13 teams divided into four groups. Matches will be played between August 25 and August 31.

Exquisite new trophy unveiled for landmark #AWCL

Thu, 18 Jul, 2024

Exquisite new trophy unveiled for landmark #AWCL

Kuala Lumpur: The latest milestone in the evolution of women’s football in Asia was fittingly marked by the reveal of the stunning new AFC Women’s Champions League™ trophy on Thursday afternoon.

The exquisite silverware was unveiled at the official draw ceremony for the Preliminary Stage and Group Stage for the maiden 2024/25 season by AFC Women’s Football Committee Chairperson, Ms. Kanya Keomany, with Japanese icon Mana Iwabuchi in attendance.