East Asia Wrap: Sangmu lead as Ulsan beaten in derby; Wu treble in Port win

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Sangmu lead as Ulsan beaten in derby; Wu treble in Port win

Hong Kong: The lead changed hands in Korea Republic for the third time in six matchdays with Gimcheon Sangmu emerging as the frontrunners after they beat Daegu FC 2-0 on Saturday and holders Ulsan Hyundai went down 2-1 to Pohang Steelers in the East Coast Derby on Sunday.

Wu Lei continues to score goals for fun in China PR as his hat-trick helped defending champions Shanghai Port preserve their two-point lead over rivals Shanghai Shenhua at the top following a 3-1 defeat of Zhejiang FC while Shandong Taishan suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Beijing FC on Sunday. 

Machida Zeliva’s lead in Japan increased to five points after a crucial 3-1 victory against Gamba Osaka while there were also matches taking place in Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, Macau and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at last week’s action from across East Asia.

Etheridge moves to Buriram United

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

Etheridge moves to Buriram United

Bangkok: Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has signed for reigning Thailand champions Buriram United.

Etheridge, 34, joins Buriram from English Championship side Birmingham City, having also previously featured for Cardiff City.

Palestine’s Daboub gears up for ‘difficult’ campaign

Sun, 30 Jun, 2024

Palestine’s Daboub gears up for ‘difficult’ campaign

Kuala Lumpur: Palestine head coach Makram acknowledged that his side were dealt a tough hand on Thursday, following the draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

The West Asians were placed in Group B alongside Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait for the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying, with direct slots on offer to the top two finishers of each of the three groups.

Uzbekistan on mission to realise FIFA World Cup dream

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Uzbekistan on mission to realise FIFA World Cup dream

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan are clear on their objectives after being placed in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 with team manager Sherzod Igamberdiev eyeing a successful campaign.

Kicking off their bid for a first appearance on the global stage with a home tie DPR Korea on September 5, Uzbekistan will also have to contend with Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic to grab one of the two automatic spots from the group to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ivankovic urges China PR to believe

Sun, 30 Jun, 2024

Ivankovic urges China PR to believe

Kuala Lumpur: Branko Ivankovic wants his China PR squad to go into the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 believing they can compete with the other nations in Group C as the country attempts to secure a berth in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Chinese have not qualified for the FIFA World Cup Finals since making their debut appearance in Japan and Korea Republic in 2002 and Ivankovic’s side have been handed a tough task after being drawn against Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia.

But after turning the nation’s qualifying campaign around in their last four matches in the second phase when he replaced Aleksandar Jankovic as coach in February, the experienced Croatian is confident his team can make an impact along the road to the Finals.

Qatar primed for historic mission

Sun, 30 Jun, 2024

Qatar primed for historic mission

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar will leave no stone unturned in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, said technical director Tim Cahill. 

Seeking to qualify for the global showpiece on merit after having made their debut as hosts of the 2022 edition, Qatar were drawn in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 on Thursday.

The two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions will face Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic and DPR Korea in what promises to be an enthralling campaign. 

Ghalenoei: IR Iran can draw confidence from past results

Sat, 29 Jun, 2024

Ghalenoei: IR Iran can draw confidence from past results

Kuala Lumpur: Having emerged from the second round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ with an unbeaten record, the Islamic of Republic of Iran will be aiming to continue their impressive form when the next stage kicks off in September.

The second-highest ranked Asian side in the FIFA rankings at 20, IR Iran are seeking a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance and head coach Amir Ghalenoei is optimistic about qualification despite being drawn in a tough Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday.

Bento wants UAE to seize opportunity

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Bento wants UAE to seize opportunity

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Paulo Bento wants his United Arab Emirates side to make full use of the increased number of FIFA World Cup qualification slots when they compete in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

With Asia’s confirmed slots increased to eight compared to just four for the Qatar 2022 edition, Bento believes UAE can end their long wait for a second appearance at the global showpiece, having made their debut in the 1990 edition.

Jordan to go all out in FIFA World Cup quest

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Jordan to go all out in FIFA World Cup quest

Kuala Lumpur: After their impressive run to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final, Jordan are ready to write another chapter in their footballing history. 

The West Asians, whose progress to the Continental showpiece final in February represented their best ever finish in the tournament, are seeking their maiden appearance on the global stage.

Lisitsyn: Kyrgyz Republic want to create more history

Sat, 29 Jun, 2024

Lisitsyn: Kyrgyz Republic want to create more history

Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic head coach Maksim Lisitsyn has vowed to continue making history for Kyrgyz football as the White Falcons gear up for their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 campaign.

Drawn in Group A, the Central Asian side will face Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and DPR Korea in their debut at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.