Europe Wrap: Kumagai, Kerr on the mark

Mon, 20 Nov, 2023

Europe Wrap: Kumagai, Kerr on the mark

Kuala Lumpur: Saki Kumagai returned to her former club Bayern Munich to help her new side AS Roma secure a 2-2 draw in their UEFA Women’s Champions League opener last Wednesday before the Japan captain netted in a 2-0 win over Sassuolo in the league on Saturday.

Sam Kerr was on the scoresheet as Chelsea drew 2-2 away to Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League while her Australian teammate Caitlin Foord scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League at the weekend.
 
With the men’s leagues not in action due to the international break, it was Asia’s women who took centre stage in Europe over the past week. The-AFC.com brings you up to speed with how they performed.

Round 2 - MD1: Facts & Figures

Sun, 19 Nov, 2023

Round 2 - MD1: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday One of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ lived up to expectations with sizzling action.

As the teams traverse the continent for Tuesday's second matchday, the-AFC.com takes a look at the facts and figures from Thursday's opening round of matches. 

Kyrgyz Republic targeting extended run

Mon, 20 Nov, 2023

Kyrgyz Republic targeting extended run

Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic will be appearing in just their second AFC Asian Cup™ but head coach Stefan Tarkovic wants them to emulate, if not better, their 2019 achievement.

The Central Asian side advanced to the Round of 16 four years ago and Tarkovic said being drawn in a tough Group F wouldn't deter his team from targeting a place in the Qatar 2023 knockout stage. 

Test Your Knowledge - Round 6

Sun, 19 Nov, 2023

Test Your Knowledge - Round 6

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup™ quiz returns with another set of challenging questions.

Try it out to see how well versed you - the fans - are on the continent's premier national team tournament. 

Klinsmann sets title target for Korea Republic

Sun, 19 Nov, 2023

Klinsmann sets title target for Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is determined to lead Korea Republic to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ title as the former winners look to end a long wait for a third continental crown. 

The last of Korea Republic's two AFC Asian Cup titles was won in 1960, with the Taeguk Warriors having finished runners-up four time since.

Gallardo takes over at Al Ittihad

Sun, 19 Nov, 2023

Gallardo takes over at Al Ittihad

Jeddah: Marcelo Gallardo has been named the new head coach of reigning Saudi Pro League champions and two-time AFC Champions League™ winners Al Ittihad FC, the club announced on Saturday.

The Argentinian replaces Nuno Espirito Santo, who made way after Al Ittihad lost 2-0 to Air Force Club in the AFC Champions League 2023-24 earlier this month.
 
Gallardo, who led River Plate to the Copa Libertadores in 2015 and again in 2018, has been given a contract until mid-2025 by the Saudi side.

Round 2 - MD1: 5 things we learned

Sat, 18 Nov, 2023

Round 2 - MD1: 5 things we learned

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ kicked off with a bang on Thursday.

There were ups and downs for the 36 teams in the fray so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five key things from Matchday One.