India edge Chinese Taipei to end tour on winning note

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

India edge Chinese Taipei to end tour on winning note

Manama: India concluded their West Asia playing tour with a 1-0 win over Chinese Taipei at the Hamad Town Stadium on Wednesday.

Thomas Dennerby's side, who are using the tour to prepare for the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, secured victory through Renu's third minute strike.

India, Nepal to square off for title

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

India, Nepal to square off for title

Male: India and Nepal advanced to the final of the 2021 SAFF Championship following the conclusion of the round robin stage on Wednesday.

India defeated defending champions Maldives 3-1 to finish top while Nepal emerged runners-up following a 1-1 draw with Bangladesh.

Vote for AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar Player of the Week

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar Player of the Week

Kuala Lumpur: After a thrilling October window the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar is shaping up as one of the best qualification races in memory, and Asia’s galaxy of stars delivered no shortage of quality over the past week.

Big names came to the fore for Islamic Republic, Korea Republic, Syria and China PR, while fresh-faced youngsters left their mark for Japan, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, with Asia’s Qatar 2022 picture beginning to take shape.

After 12 matches and 38 goals, we’ve picked out 10 outstanding performers from the week that was. Study our list of contenders and cast your vote.

Skočić not satisfied, Bento welcomes “fair result” after Tehran draw

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Skočić not satisfied, Bento welcomes “fair result” after Tehran draw

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Dragan Skoćić was left wanting more, while his Korea Republic counterpart Paulo Bento praised a quality contest after the two sides played out a 1-1 AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar draw at Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.

Son Heung-min looked like he may have given the visitors all three points when he scored on the break in the 48th minute, but that goal sparked an Iranian revival which culminated in an Alireza Jahanbakhsh equaliser.

The result keeps Team Melli two points ahead of the Koreans on top of Group A, and both sides remain well placed to reach Qatar 2022, but Skočić wouldn’t go as far as saying he was happy with dropping points on home soil.

Ivankovic: Half-time talk inspired Oman past Vietnam

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ivankovic: Half-time talk inspired Oman past Vietnam

Muscat: Branko Ivankovic said he used his half-time pep talk to push Oman to a rousing 3-1 win over Vietnam in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar Group B tie on Tuesday.

Oman went into the half-time break level with Issam Al Sabhi equalising after Nguyen Tien Linh had given Vietnam the lead. A rejuvenated Oman then claimed the three points with second half goals from Mohsin Al Khaldi and Salah Al Yahyaei to move third in the standings after four matches.

Moriyasu praises Japan's resilience, Australia's Arnold positive despite defeat

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Moriyasu praises Japan's resilience, Australia's Arnold positive despite defeat

Saitama: Hajime Moriyasu hailed his squad’s unity as Japan shrugged off the pressure of a disappointing start to their campaign in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar to pick up a late 2-1 win over Australia at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.

Aziz Behich’s own goal five minutes from time earned the Japanese a second win in four games in Group B to move to within three points of the Socceroos in the quest for one of the two automatic berths at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Saudi Arabia's Renard relishes hard fought victory over China PR

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Saudi Arabia's Renard relishes hard fought victory over China PR

Jeddah: Herve Renard said his Saudi Arabia side had to overcome a huge challenge before registering a 3-2 win against China PR in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

A brace from Sami Al Naji and a goal from substitute Firas Al Buraikan steered Saudi Arabia to their fourth consecutive victory in the group as they opened a three-point lead at the top of the standings.

Hasek proud of Lebanon’s determination against Syria

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hasek proud of Lebanon’s determination against Syria

Amman: Lebanon head coach Ivan Hasek praised the spirit of his players following their 3-2 win against Syria in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

Lebanon trailed to Omar Khribin’s opener but a first half double from Mohamed Kdouh and a Soony Saad effort ultimately steered them to their first win in the group with Omar Al Soma scoring a consolation for Syria in the 64th minute.

Van Marwijk remains confident of UAE’s chances despite Iraq stalemate

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Van Marwijk remains confident of UAE’s chances despite Iraq stalemate

Dubai: United Arab Emirates head coach Bert van Marwijk insisted his side still have hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup Finals despite sharing a 2-2 draw with Iraq in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar on Tuesday.

Caio Canedo gave UAE the lead before an own goal from Mohamad Al Attas and Aymen Hussein’s strike put Iraq ahead, with Ali Mabkhout salvaging the home side a point with a stoppage time equaliser.