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. 

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.

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.

FIFA Arab Cup: Quarter-final cast finalised

Wed, 08 Dec, 2021

FIFA Arab Cup: Quarter-final cast finalised

Doha: The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 quarter-final cast was finalised on Tuesday following the conclusion of the group stage.

Jordan were the final Asian team to book their last eight spot after finishing second in Group C.

Jordan defeated Palestine 5-1 to join Group C winners Morocco in the quarter-finals.

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.