East Asia Wrap: Newcomers Machida rise to top; Sangmu edge Jeonbuk

Mon, 18 Mar, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Newcomers Machida rise to top; Sangmu edge Jeonbuk

Hong Kong: Machida Zelvia, who got promoted to the J1 League as the 2023 Japanese second division champions, climbed to the top of the table four games into the campaign when they defeated Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 2-1 at Sapporo Dome on Saturday. 

After scoring twice in a defeat to Ulsan Hyundai last week, Kim Hyeon-ug was again on target for Gimcheon Sangmu on Sunday as they defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 1-0 while reigning champions Ulsan have a one-point lead at the top despite a 3-3 draw with Incheon United. 
 
Kitchee SC moved two points behind leaders Lee Man with a 3-0 win against Sham Shui Po in the Hong Kong Premier League on Sunday while matches also took place in Mongolia, Macau and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the action from across East Asia.

#U20WAC - Facts & Figures

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

#U20WAC - Facts & Figures

Tashkent: The curtains came down on the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 on Saturday with DPR Korea emerging champions after a 2-1 win over Japan in the final.

It was, by all means, a spectacular tournament and the-AFC.com takes a look at some of the facts and figures that caught the eye.

Ri: Synergy was the key to DPR Korea’s success

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Ri: Synergy was the key to DPR Korea’s success

Tashkent: DPR Korea head coach Ri Song ho attributed Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Japan in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 final to tactical brilliance and great understanding.

Ri’s charges produced a masterful performance to overturn Ai Tsujisawa’s opener with Jon Ryong jong scoring twice as DPR Korea added the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024 title to the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship won in 2007. 

Japan’s Kano sees silver lining despite final heartbreak

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Japan’s Kano sees silver lining despite final heartbreak

Tashkent: Head coach Michihisa Kano cut a disappointed figure following Japan’s 2-1 defeat to DPR Korea in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 final at the JAR Stadium on Saturday.

Despite taking the lead through Ai Tsujisawa, Japan had no answer to DPR Korea’s aggression, with Jon Ryong jong’s brace of headers consigning Kano’s side to defeat.

Korea Republic's Phair destined to create more history

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Korea Republic's Phair destined to create more history

Los Angeles: Casey Phair made history last year when she became the youngest player ever to appear at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, as the 16-year-old Korea Republic forward embarks on the next step in her career with Angel City FC in the United States, she talks to the-AFC.com.

Casey Phair has yet to turn 17 but she already knows what it is like to live her life in the glare of an intense media spotlight.
 
In July last year, aged 16 years and 26 days, the United States-raised striker broke Nigerian Ifeanyi Chiejine’s record to become the youngest player to feature at the FIFA Women’s World Cup when she appeared in Korea Republic’s 2-0 loss against Colombia.

Quarter-finals, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Fri, 15 Mar, 2024

Quarter-finals, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The line-up for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals was decided this week after Al Ain FC, Al Hilal SFC, Ulsan Hyundai FC and Yokohama F. Marinos emerged victorious.

World records, injury woes, and eyes firmly fixed on the prize as the 2023/24 quarter-finals concluded in exciting style with the second leg matches played out in Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, and Japan. Here's the post-match reaction from some of the key men involved.

Qatar's Al Haydos announces international retirement

Sun, 17 Mar, 2024

Qatar's Al Haydos announces international retirement

Doha: Hassan Al Haydos, who skippered Qatar to a second successive AFC Asian Cup™ title in February, has retired from international football.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced Al Haydos' decision on Saturday, bringing down the curtain on a 16-year career highlighted by back-to-back AFC Asian Cup victories.
 
Al Haydos is the most capped player for Qatar with 182 appearances, scoring 41 times.