West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr give Ronaldo triumphant debut

Mon, 23 Jan, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Al Nassr give Ronaldo triumphant debut

Doha: Cristiano Ronaldo was not on the scoresheet but that didn't stop Al Nassr from registering a 1-0 win over Ettifaq as they stayed top in Saudi Arabia. 

Sharjah, meanwhile, were held as the UAE Pro League resumed after a month.
 
There was also action in Bahrain, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria so join the-AFC.com as we dive into the latest round of domestic action across West Asia. 

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Winning return for Buriram; Kitchee lift Senior Shield

Mon, 23 Jan, 2023

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Winning return for Buriram; Kitchee lift Senior Shield

Hong Kong: League action returned to Thailand this week for the first time since November and it was a familiar storyline that emerged as leaders Buriram United overcame Sukhothai 3-0 to continue their unbeaten campaign. 

Kitchee SC prevailed on penalties to win their eighth Hong Kong Senior Shield title at the expense of defending champions Eastern Long Lions, while Persib Bandung edged title rivals Madura United in Indonesia to close the gap on leaders PSM Makassar.
 
And A-League pacesetters Melbourne City dropped points again in Australia, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across ASEAN and East Asia.

Thailand 2023: Know Your Groups A & B

Fri, 20 Jan, 2023

Thailand 2023: Know Your Groups A & B

Pattaya: The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ returns with Thailand hosting the 2023 edition which will see 16 teams vying for continental glory. 

Five previous champions are in the mix with Japan aiming to defend the 2019 title won on the beaches of Phuket.
 
An added incentive for the teams is that the top three sides will join hosts United Arab Emirates at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2023 so join the-AFC.com as we take a sneak peek at what lies ahead in the March 16-26 tournament in Pattaya for Groups A and B. 

Thailand 2023: Know Your Groups C & D

Sun, 22 Jan, 2023

Thailand 2023: Know Your Groups C & D

Pattaya: As the countdown to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 continues, the-AFC.com takes a close look at the participating teams in Groups C and D. 

Defending champions Japan lead the Group C cast with Lebanon, China PR and Indonesia for company, while 2015 winners Oman are in Group D with Palestine, Kuwait and Kyrgyz Republic. 

Marcao leaves Wuhan to sign for Al Ahli

Sun, 22 Jan, 2023

Marcao leaves Wuhan to sign for Al Ahli

Hong Kong: Brazilian striker Marcao has left newly-crowned Chinese Super League champions Wuhan Three Towns and will join Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the Jeddah-based club confirmed on social media.

Marcao scored 27 times in 26 games as Wuhan won the Chinese Super League title for the first time, with the Brazilian finishing the season as the top flight’s leading scorer.

Shin Jin-ho joins Incheon United

Sat, 21 Jan, 2023

Shin Jin-ho joins Incheon United

Kuala Lumpur: Former AFC Champions League™ winner Shin Jin-ho has joined Incheon United from Pohang Steelers ahead of their debut in the continental club championships later in the year.

The 34-year-old, who was a standout performer as Ulsan Hyundai claimed the AFC Champions League trophy in 2020, has signed a three-year contract with the K League 1 club.