East Asia Wrap: Jeonbuk claim record-extending ninth K League crown

Mon, 06 Dec, 2021

East Asia Wrap: Jeonbuk claim record-extending ninth K League crown

Hong Kong: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors secured the win they needed over Jeju United to hold off the challenge of Ulsan Hyundai and wrap up their fifth successive K League 1 title on Sunday. 

The season drew to a close in Japan over the weekend as Tokushima Vortis were relegated, while there was also action in Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. The-AFC.com brings you up to speed with the latest rounds of fixtures in East Asia.

Miguel Ángel Russo to coach Al Nassr

Mon, 06 Dec, 2021

Miguel Ángel Russo to coach Al Nassr

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia giants Al Nassr announced on Sunday that they have agreed with Argentine Miguel Ángel Russo to coach the team until the end of the seasons.

The announcement came less than a month after the Riyadh-based outfit decided to part ways with Portuguese coach Pedro Emanuel following poor results.

Wembley glory for Kerr, Ji as Chelsea lift Women’s FA Cup

Mon, 06 Dec, 2021

Wembley glory for Kerr, Ji as Chelsea lift Women’s FA Cup

London: A superb Sam Kerr brace ensured Chelsea completed a domestic treble with a 3-0 win over Arsenal in the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The Australia captain scored two brilliant second half goals for the Blues, who added to their FA Women’s Super League and League Cup titles in front of more than 40,000 fans.

Korea Republic star Ji So-yun also featured for Chelsea, coming off the bench to claim her third Women’s FA Cup winner’s medal, while Japan’s Mana Iwabuchi and Australian pair Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord appeared for Arsenal.

Singapore, Thailand kick off campaigns with victories

Mon, 06 Dec, 2021

Singapore, Thailand kick off campaigns with victories

Singapore: AFF Cup hosts Singapore and Thailand kicked off their Group A campaigns with wins over Myanmar and Timor-Leste respectively on Sunday. 

Thailand came alive in the second half to beat Timor-Leste 2-0 in the opening match, while Singapore impressed in front of their home crowd in a 3-0 win over Myanmar. 

Jeonbuk win K-League title

Sun, 05 Dec, 2021

Jeonbuk win K-League title

Jeonju: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors sealed a record-extending fifth consecutive K League 1 title on Sunday as Kim Sang-sik’s side handed Jeju United a 2-0 defeat to finish two points clear of Ulsan Hyundai.

Second half goals from Han Kyo-won and Song Min-kyu secured the win for Jeonbuk and earns the club a ninth K League success to go along with titles won in 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
 
The win means Jeonbuk will progress automatically into the group phase of the 2022 AFC Champions League as K League 1 winners.

FIFA Arab Cup: Matchday Three Preview

Sun, 05 Dec, 2021

FIFA Arab Cup: Matchday Three Preview

Doha: Qatar are the only Asian side to have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup but all is not lost for several other teams.

United Arab Emirates are within striking distance while it will be a race to the finish line for several other Asian sides following the Matchday Two results.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the four groups stand ahead of Matchday Three.

Vote For Your Best 2021 AFC Champions League Team: Defenders

Sun, 05 Dec, 2021

Vote For Your Best 2021 AFC Champions League Team: Defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com continues its quest to find out who the fans consider the Best XI from this year's AFC Champions League competition.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2021 edition’s best goalkeeper, and now we shine the spotlight on the players who will make up the backline.

So, here are the 12 players in contention for the four places in defence. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

“A milestone for Indian football” – India 2022’s impact excites legendary Oinam Bembem Devi

Sat, 04 Dec, 2021

“A milestone for Indian football” – India 2022’s impact excites legendary Oinam Bembem Devi

Delhi: One of the most decorated figures in the history of Indian women’s football, Oinam Bembem Devi will be among the millions watching on as India welcomes Asia’s best for a historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup in early 2022.

Ever since representing the Mainpur state team as a 13-year-old in 1993, there has been something remarkable about Oinam Bembem Devi.
 
Having overcome tremendous difficulties along the way, her achievements in a senior international career spanning more than 20 years made her an icon of the Indian women’s game, with her contribution recently recognised with the highly prestigious civilian honour, the Padma Shri.
 
With less than two months until India welcomes some of the world’s best players, the-AFC.com discussed women’s football’s progress in India, how the hosts might fare in the Finals, and the impact India 2022 could have on a generation of Indian girls.