Japan surge into top five

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025

Japan surge into top five

Kuala Lumpur: Success in the recent SheBelieves Cup has propelled Japan into fifth spot in the latest FIFA Women’s Rankings released on Thursday.

Nils Nielsen’s reign as head coach of the Nadeshiko began in style with wins over Australia, Colombia and the United States.

Japan’s Nagasoto calls time on illustrious career

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025

Japan’s Nagasoto calls time on illustrious career

Tokyo: FIFA Women's World Cup winner Yuki Nagasato, who made history with a brief spell playing for a men's team, said she had given "every last drop" as the Japanese striker announced her retirement from football.

The 37-year-old, part of the Japan team that lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2011, brought the curtain down on a 23-year career that saw her play in Germany, England, the United States, Australia and her home country.

Vissel’s Yoshida cautious despite lead

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025

Vissel’s Yoshida cautious despite lead

Kobe: Head coach Takayuki Yoshida has no plans to take the second leg of Vissel Kobe’s AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Round of 16 tie against Gwangju FC lightly despite securing a 2-0 lead on Wednesday.

Yoshida was pleased to see his side contain Gwangju’s threat, with a pair of headers from Yuya Osako and Haruya Ide giving the Japanese side a decent lead to take into next week’s second leg.

Tactical adjustments pay off for Shenhua’s Slutsky

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025

Tactical adjustments pay off for Shenhua’s Slutsky

Shanghai: Head coach Leonid Slutsky expressed his delight after reaping the results of his tactical adjustments in Shanghai Shenhua’s 1-0 win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg tie on Wednesday.

The tactician - despite the slim advantage - was in high spirits and promised an even better performance from Shenhua in the return leg. 

Shabab Al Ahli's Sousa, Sharjah's Olaroiu satisfied with draw

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025

Shabab Al Ahli's Sousa, Sharjah's Olaroiu satisfied with draw

Dubai: Paulo Sousa and Cosmin Olaroiu were both content after witnessing Shabab Al Ahli and Sharjah FC battle to a 1-1 draw in an all-Emirati AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

With Shabab crippled by injuries, Sousa was pleased with how Shabab Al Ahli coped with the absence of key players.

Vote for your Best AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Goal

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Vote for your Best AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Goal

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 drew to a conclusion on Saturday, March 1 with Australia crowned the new champions after defeating Saudi Arabia on penalties in the final. 

As many as 93 goals were scored in just 31 matches as Asia’s next generation of talent delivered a tournament to remember. 

Following the final in Shenzhen, the-AFC.com picks 10 of the best strikes from across the competition. Check out the goals and don’t forget to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article!