East Asia Wrap: Derby defeat for Marinos; Ulsan held by Seoul

Mon, 28 Aug, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Derby defeat for Marinos; Ulsan held by Seoul

Hong Kong: Only six points separate the top four teams in Japan after leaders Yokohama F. Marinos suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of crosstown rivals Yokohama FC while Vissel Kobe are only one point behind the title holders with Nagoya Grampus and Urawa Red Diamonds also involved in the chase. 

Leaders Ulsan Hyundai have only one win in their last four matches after they were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Seoul for whom Brazilian striker Willyan scored a stoppage-time equaliser, but the defending champions still enjoy an 11-point advantage over second-placed Pohang Steelers with five matches left. 
 
In China PR, frontrunners Shanghai Port’s struggles continued as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Henan FC on Friday while there were also matches taking place in Hong Kong and Mongolia, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia. 

#FIFAWWC: Asia’s unforgettable moments

Fri, 25 Aug, 2023

#FIFAWWC: Asia’s unforgettable moments

Kuala Lumpur: It was the FIFA Women’s World Cup that elevated the women’s game to unprecedented heights with incredible drama on the pitch and record numbers of spectators off it as Australia & New Zealand 2023 left a lasting legacy. 

For Asia’s six representatives there were unforgettable performances, huge upsets, individual accolades and much more as the continent’s sides were involved in some of the most talked-about matches of the tournament. 
 
The-AFC.com looks back at Asia's best moments from a World Cup that delivered on a spectacular level. 

Vietnam edge Indonesia on penalties to retain title

Sun, 27 Aug, 2023

Vietnam edge Indonesia on penalties to retain title

Rayong: Vietnam defeated Indonesia 6-5 on penalties to defend their AFF U23 Championship title at the Rayong Stadium on Saturday.

With the match ending goalless after 120 minutes, Vietnam maintained their composure to win the shootout. 

Azmoun joins Italy's Roma, Spain's Veiga signs for Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli

Sat, 26 Aug, 2023

Azmoun joins Italy's Roma, Spain's Veiga signs for Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli

Rome: Italian Serie A side AS Roma have confirmed the signing of Islamic Republic of Iran forward Sardar Azmoun on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

Roma said they have brought in Azmoun, 28, "on a temporary basis until 30 June 2024" with "the option to make the transfer permanent".

Hafiz sets Lion City Sailors Round of 16 target

Sat, 26 Aug, 2023

Hafiz sets Lion City Sailors Round of 16 target

Singapore: Lion City Sailors vice-captain Hafiz Nor has set the target of qualifying for the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 following Thursday's group stage draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Singapore side were drawn in Group F alongside two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of Korea Republic, Thailand's Bangkok United Kitchee and Kitchee of Hong Kong.
 
Hafiz was excited at the prospect of going up against the continent’s elite once again and is confident the Sailors have what it takes to mix it up with the very best.

Kerr, Bonmati and Carmona shortlisted for UEFA women's player of year

Sat, 26 Aug, 2023

Kerr, Bonmati and Carmona shortlisted for UEFA women's player of year

Paris: Chelsea's Australian striker Sam Kerr and two Spanish FIFA Women's World Cup winners, Aitana Bonmati and Olga Carmona, were on Friday named on the three-player shortlist for UEFA's women's player of the year award.

The winner will be announced on August 31 in Monaco at the draw for the men's UEFA Champions League group stage.

Japan top Asian side in latest FIFA Women's Ranking

Fri, 25 Aug, 2023

Japan top Asian side in latest FIFA Women's Ranking

Zurich: Japan's run to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-finals has seen them rewarded with a jump from 11th to eighth in the latest FIFA Women's Ranking released on Friday.

The move sees Japan replacing Australia as the highest ranked Asian team.
 
As for the Matildas, their defeats in the semi-finals and third-place playoff cost them as they dropped one spot to 11th.