Ficcadenti replaced by Kenta Hasegawa at Nagoya

Thu, 09 Dec, 2021

Ficcadenti replaced by Kenta Hasegawa at Nagoya

Nagoya: Nagoya Grampus have announced 2014 J-League Coach of the Year Kenta Hasegawa will take charge of the J1 League side next season, replacing Italian manager Massimo Ficcadenti.

Ficcadenti steered Nagoya to third place in the J1 League in 2020 to qualify the club for the AFC Champions League for the first time since 2012. Grampus advanced to the quarter-finals of this year’s competition, where they were eliminated by Pohang Steelers.

Son, Kerr, Kubo and Jahanbakhsh – Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Wed, 08 Dec, 2021

Son, Kerr, Kubo and Jahanbakhsh – Vote for your AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: With droughts broken, trophies lifted and goal of the season contenders scored, it was another exceptional week for Asia’s footballers outside the continent.

Son Heung-min netted in back to back Premier League games, while Sam Kerr delivered a performance for the ages in the Women’s FA Cup Final, and there were further standout displays by Asian players in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and the United States. 

We’ve whittled the list down for this week’s top performers – based on matches from November 30 to December 6 – it’s up to you to get behind the one you consider the best of them all.

Jordan’s Sharara provides vital spark

Thu, 09 Dec, 2021

Jordan’s Sharara provides vital spark

Doha: When Jordan coach Adnan Hamad announced his final squad for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 on November 26, Mohammad Abu Zraiq was not among those who arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha the following day.

However, a twist of fate meant that the player known as Sharara (which translates as 'Spark') would star for Al Nashama at Ras Abu Aboud Stadium on Tuesday for the team’s final group-stage game against Palestine. Abu Zraiq had been called into the squad a few days earlier to replace Anas Al-Awadat, who had tested positive for COVID-19, and was used as a second-half substitute against Morocco. 

Shui calls up 34 for China PR training camp ahead of India 2022

Thu, 09 Dec, 2021

Shui calls up 34 for China PR training camp ahead of India 2022

Beijing: Head coach Shui Qingxia has provided her first indication of how China PR may line up at AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, with 34 players selected for a month-long training camp on Wednesday.

Several experienced players have been recalled for the camp, which will be held in Shanghai from December 9 to January 15, with the squad to be whittled down to a maximum of 23 players ahead of the finals.

China will begin their India 2022 campaign against Chinese Taipei on January 20, with further matches against Islamic Republic of Iran and the tournament hosts to round out their commitments in Group A.

Singapore stay perfect, Myanmar back in contention

Wed, 08 Dec, 2021

Singapore stay perfect, Myanmar back in contention

Singapore: Singapore made it two wins out of two in Group A of the AFF Cup after beating Philippines 2-1, while Myanmar reignited their campaign with a 2-0 win over Timor-Leste on Wednesday. 

After a goalless first half, Singapore scored twice before surviving a late Philippines revival to lead the standings in Group B after Matchday Two. 

Myanmar are back in contention for a place in the semi-finals after a goal in each half gave them a 2-0 win over Timor-Leste. 

Lebanon end campaign with win over Sudan

Wed, 08 Dec, 2021

Lebanon end campaign with win over Sudan

Doha: Lebanon earned their first victory at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 after defeating Sudan 1-0 in their final Group D tie at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday.

An own goal by Sudan goalkeeper Ali Aboeshren sent Ivan Hasek’s side to third ahead of Sudan, who ended their campaign without a point.

Jordan book last eight spot

Wed, 08 Dec, 2021

Jordan book last eight spot

Doha: Jordan advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 after defeating Palestine 5-1 in their final Group C match on Tuesday.

The win at the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium took Jordan to six points, as they finished second behind Morocco.

Morocco made it three wins out of three with a 1-0 defeat of Saudi Arabia.