Vissel Kobe clinch historic Japan title

Sat, 25 Nov, 2023

Vissel Kobe clinch historic Japan title

Kobe:  Vissel Kobe defeated Nagoya Grampus 2-1 on Saturday to emerge Japanese league champions for the first time. 

The win took Vissel to 68 points, four ahead of outgoing champions Yokohama F. Marinos with just a match remaining to the J1 league season. 

Matchday Five: 5 things to look out for

Fri, 24 Nov, 2023

Matchday Five: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The group stage of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 has reached the business end of proceedings with several teams looking to confirm their places in the knockout rounds on Matchday Five this coming week. 

Of the 16 places up for grabs in the knockout rounds, only Al Ain and Pohang Steelers have booked their tickets, meaning 14 spots are still to be played for ahead of what is sure to be another exciting round of fixtures. 
 
With the next set of games to take place between Monday and Wednesday, the-AFC.com highlights five things to look out for. 

Round 2 – The star performers

Sat, 25 Nov, 2023

Round 2 – The star performers

Kuala Lumpur: There was no shortage of excitement and drama as the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ began in a whirlwind of action across the continent over the past couple of weeks. 

Some of Asia’s biggest stars took centre stage in the first two matches of the qualification campaign from which the nine group winners and nine runners-up will advance to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifying and seal a direct place in the AFC Asian Cup.
 
From Korea Republic ace Son Heung-min to Bangladesh wonderkid Shekh Morsalin, the-AFC.com takes a look at eight players who stood out for their national teams on Matchdays One and Two of the joint qualifiers. 

Qatar focused on title defence

Sat, 25 Nov, 2023

Qatar focused on title defence

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar look well equipped to defend their AFC Asian Cup™ title on home soil as Carlos Queiroz continues with his mission to build a side capable of challenging on the world stage. 

Qatar's FIFA World Cup debut last year ended with three defeats and Queiroz, upon his appointment as head coach in February, said his immediate task was to rebuild the team.

Ronaldo double powers Al Nassr past Al Akhdoud

Sat, 25 Nov, 2023

Ronaldo double powers Al Nassr past Al Akhdoud

Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr defeated Al Akhdoud 3-0 on Friday to keep the pressure on Saudi Pro League 2023/24 leaders Al Hilal SFC.

The win took Al Nassr to within a point of Al Hilal, who play Al Hazm on Saturday. Defending champions Al Ittihad, however, had to settle for 1-1 draw with Al Ettifaq.

#AFCU23 Qatar 2024 groups finalised

Mon, 25 Mar, 2024

#AFCU23 Qatar 2024 groups finalised

Doha: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ has all the ingredients to be a thriller following the official draw in Doha on Thursday.

Defending champions Saudi Arabia lead the cast, with former winners Korea Republic (2020), Uzbekistan (2018), Japan (2016) and Iraq (2013) also looking to become the first team to lift the coveted trophy for a second time.